Finland: the land of thousands of lakes and thousands of hectares of forest, is known for its strong sense of identity and unity. But at the heart of Finnish culture are two concepts that hold profound significance in the culture: sisu and sauna.
Sisu – strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity
Sisu is a term that has been embedded deeply into Finnishness. I believe it originates from Finnish history where were harsh winters and wars. It’s about mentality, being persistent even though the circumstances seem invincible.
Sisu tells about quiet courage and collective identity of finns. It’s is not bragging but queiet internal strength that often goes unnoticed by others. It’s embedded into Finns identities and it contibutes into unity. It’s a quality that binds the nation together, resilience that has seen trough wars and harsh times that made us an independent country.
Sauna – ritual, relaxation and connection
It is not only a place for washing up, it’s a place for relaxation, contemplating and social bonding. It’s a common place to gather with friend and family to connect and bond in a non-formal setting.
Finns have a deep connection with nature and it’s seen in the way that saunas are often nestled around lakes and forests. Finland is also seen as pretty equal and fair country and it can bee seen in sauna when all socail hierarchies are left on the door.
My experience of sisu and sauna
For me, Finnishness at its best is when you go through a hardship together and you can celebrate it and relax after it in sauna.
I have always liked to challenge myself so when I was younger I often participated in different kinds of competitions and challenges. Together with people, it was the best when you got strength from others, the suffering turned into pleasure when you were with others. And after it all, you could laugh at the suffering and desperate moments that you went through, in the sauna of course.
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