Quiet Patriotism
Whilst many think of patriotism as big and loud declarations that ones country/culture is the best, in Finland the patriotism runs deep but is quiet. Many Finns do not feel the need to mention that they love their country; instead they show it through their active participation in their communities, education of their history and love for uniquely Finnish traditions. I am half Finnish, so this is extremely evident to me as Australians do not have as much agreement on the love for their country as a whole, but rather a love for bits and pieces of their country instead.
To me quiet patriotism exists within me when participating in cultural events such as vappu, juhannus, joulu, intti, independence day, etc. It also shows when I am listening to Finnish music, making Finnish food using recipes from previous generations, having a sauna with friends, visiting a summer cottage, etc. These traditions only stay alive due to the quiet patriotism we Finns have for our country and culture.
Honest Communication
Finnish communication is quite different to other western countries. They pride themselves in being honest and as Australians would say “don’t like to beat around the bush”. To me this means staying quiet when there is nothing more to say. It means saying what you truly think instead of treading on glass around others opinions and feelings. It means saying things as succinct as possible. It means not trying to make friends with everyone but the ones who matter. Whilst I would not say all Finns are honest and that they always speak their mind, generally this type of communication rings true. To me I exhibit this behviour even in Australia, because I prefer this way of communicating with others; the ability to be able to talk to people of different persectives without needing to change their mind or my own.
Conclusions
Being half Finnish and half Australian, my relation to my Finnishness has always been a little bit complicated. I will never see myself as fully Finnish but I love Finland in a quietly patriotic way and will always be honest about the way I act towards someone. I grew up in a way where Finnish patriotism and honest communication were passed down to me, signalling they are the key characteristics integral to being Finnish.
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