What the consept of Finnishness means?
Finnishness is something quiet, structured and steady. I feel that the Finnish national identity is built on order: rules, routines and the idea that things work because people follow them. We often joke that “this isn’t the wild west”, and in a way that describes us well. Some say Finns are strict or even cold, but the truth is that order creates the peace and quiet we value so deeply.
When me and my partner travelled through Europe last summer, we met people from all over the world. Every time Finland came up, we found ourselves describing the same things: the lakes, the forests, the cottages, the sauna… and above all, the silence. Foreigners are fascinated by how calm it is here. You fall in love with the still water, the endless trees and the feeling that the world slows down.
Winter brings a whole different side of Finnishness. When the cold arrives and snow covers everything, people start “nesting”. We stay inside more, light candles, drink glögi or tea and enjoy the coziness of our homes. Many of my friends say autumn is the best season: blankets, warm drinks and “Netflix & chill”. I personally love summer: the sun, warmth, swimming, hiking and being outdoors. The dark season is not my favourite.
A big part of Finnishness is sisu. You can’t translate it directly, but everyone knows what it means: strength, resilience and the ability to push through. We admire people who manage things on their own. But sometimes this can be difficult, asking for help doesn’t always come naturally. You might struggle for a long time before you “give in” and reach out. It can get heavy, but that’s also part of Finnishness: a bit of darkness, a bit of irony, a lot of strength and, when needed, helping others.
To me, Finnishness is a mix of nature, silence, resilience and small everyday rituals. It’s the feeling of stepping into a warm sauna after a cold swim, the sound of snow under your boots, the endless summer evenings and the comfort of your own home. It’s simple, steady and quietly beautiful.
Comments