I arrived in Finland over 3 years ago, ready to start my studies in a country I’ve never visited before. I love an adventure, and embrace a challenge. Today, when I look at my own understanding of the Finnish culture, three main aspects come to my mind immediately.
Sauna: Not only a place to relax
In Finland, sauna isn’t just a place to lie and relax. It’s rather a cultural fundament. Almost every Finn, no matter where they live, sees the sauna as a sacred space either for relaxation, cleansing, and socializing. The idea of sitting in a sauna reflects the Finnish love for contrasts (a hot sauna and a jump to a cold lake or snow) and simplicity (quietness, inner peace, time to think). It’s more than a ritual. It’s a reflection of the deep respect for nature and personal well-being that lies at the heart of Finnishness in my eyes.
For me, sauna wasn’t a new concept, but I relearned how to properly enjoy it after coming to Finland. It offers me a break from the rush of everyday life, and it’s a chance to reconnect with myself.
The Power of Silence
In many cultures, silence can feel uncomfortable or even awkward – this can be the case in Poland. But in Finland, silence is something different. It’s a form of respect and understanding. I’ve learned that it’s common to spend time with friends or family in peaceful silence, rather than trying to fill the air with small talk. I learned to accept that in Finland, this quietness doesn’t signal disinterest or coldness. It reflects a culture that values thoughtfulness and personal space.
After spending some time in the US, and as a naturally talkative person, it became a habit of mine to chit-chat whenever possible. Now, after spending time in Finland, I can also see the beauty of uninterrupted silence, giving people the space to just wander in thoughts. It also gave me a chance to embrace my imagination which can run freely as I observe the world around me in silence.
The Finnish Spirit of Perseverance
I often mention in conversations that no description of Finnishness is complete without discussing sisu. It’s my favorite Finnish concept that captures Finnish resilience and determination in various situations, especially when facing hardship. There’s no direct translation for sisu to Polish or English, but in my understanding, it combines courage, tenacity, and the willpower to keep going, even when everything seems to be against you. I can imagine this idea as very inspiring and helpful when living in Finland, especially given its high percentage of depressed people. I’ve had my own share of experiences in Finland when sisu came in useful, but that’s for another story.
For some closing thoughts, I am no Finn, and there are still tons of things about Finland that frustrate me and remain a mystery in my head, even after all those years of living in Finland, among Finns. However, I grew to love many aspects of Finnish culture too, and I hope to bring them with me whenever I go in life.
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