Since moving to Finland roughly three years ago, a few aspects of the culture and environment have really stood out to me as truly being specific to this country only. I experienced a bit of a culture shock once I had moved, as most do, but conforming to the societal norms happened as naturally as the seasons changing. So without further ado, here are a couple things that make the Finnish people Finnish.
Honesty
Have you ever accidentally left something behind in a coffee shop, bus, park bench, etc? The realisation of your missing item is sure to spike a feeling of panic no matter the situation. I once left a beanie in the changing room of a clothing shop and only realised it by the time I had gotten home and was sure that it was lost for forever. However, my cousin simply laughed at my distress and explained that Finns generally return such lost items. Lo and behold, my beanie had been given to the H&M employees and was given back to me the next day. Floridians would never.
Silence
This one is very commonly discussed when speaking about Finland’s social culture. The silence is truly deafening and for foreigners, and can feel a bit awkward at first. Engaging in small talk with strangers is met with a look of shock from the individual standing next to you at the bus stop. But after some time, the long pauses in conversations and the quietness of public transportation conveys a sense of peace. Finn’s like to mind their own business in public, and so they don’t bother others trying to do the same. I noticed that this social aspect has stuck with me quit well, as when visiting Florida I was stunned and a bit bothered when a cashier attempted to hold a conversation with me.
Summer v. Winter
I personally like to think that Finnish people act the same way as bears do. During the weekday evenings of winter months, the streets of Tampere can look more like a ghost town than a city home to over 200 thousand residents. However, during the summer the streets are filled and individuals even have smiles on their faces. Wow!
Just kidding, Finn’s are amazing at withstanding the cold and keep up their outdoor exercise routines even when the temperate is -20 degrees. Homes are decorated with simple Christmas lights to brighten the moods of others and saunas are heated on a daily basis. The Finnish summers are characterised by trips to the mökki, music and arts festivals, outdoor markets, and of course bright nights as the sun barely sets. The beauty of summer is what make the long winters bearable, and the long winters teach you to appreciate the warmth of summer.
Comments