Finnish Socializing: To Say or Not to Say
In Finnish culture, honesty is a cornerstone of social interaction. In fact, it comes to us so naturally that at times we might not even realize it. Finns are known for their straightforwardness and sincerity, which might seem blunt to outsiders but is deeply ingrained in our way of life. Do not ask a Finnish person how they are doing, unless you have time to sit down with a coffee and prepare for a deep conversation for 2hours. And if you are sitting in a sauna, well, even better.
Although we are usually reserved in social interactions especially the more formal the setting is, the silence of a Finnish person in a business meeting does not mean they are uninterested or don’t want to be involved in the discussion. We are active listeners, and our silence roots to our societal values of respecting others by giving them space to talk and our greatest efforts not to bother others.
Personal Space: The Finnish Safety Range
One of the most noticeable aspects of Finnish culture is the respect for personal space. In Finland, people value their physical space and prefer a certain distance during interactions. This is not a sign of coldness but rather a cultural norm that emphasizes respect for individual privacy, again, not to bother others or make anyone uncomfortable.
Finnish Cuisine – Simple yet Unique
Although Finland isn’t usually considered as a culinary country in the world, having a friend from Thailand has given me a chance to portray Finnish food culture through the lens of a foreigner.
Finnish dishes like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty) and ruisleipä (rye bread) are unique items of Finnish food and surprisingly hard to encounter outside Finland. Other dishes like creamy salmon soup is another popular example of Finnish kitchen style, relying on pure ingredients and simple flavoring with spices, leading to a balanced and subtle taste palette of the dish. Finns for sure take it easier on the spice level than in many Asian cuisine. Just like the weather, we prefer our food below hot temperature.
Cottage Holidays: The Finnish Escape
Cottage holidays are a beloved Finnish tradition, offering a retreat from city life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. These getaways often allow for a slower pace of life, where activities like fishing, going to sauna, barbequeing, and enjoying the quiet of the Finnish nature are common.
Spending summer holidays at a summer cottage has always been a rejuvenating experience for me. Whether it be with friends or family members. Our respect and closeness to nature helps us put down all the expectations we need to fulfill in a busy city environment. The moment of calmness in the middle of a forest or lakeside is a healing moment for the Finnish soul.
In conclusion, Finnishness is a versatile and complex concept, encompassing values like honesty, respect for personal space, and a deep connection to nature. Through traditions such as the sauna, local foods, and cherished cottage holidays, Finns express their unique cultural identity and lifestyle. These elements collectively offer a glimpse into what is Finnish culture.
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