Many might ask what does it mean to be Finnish or what encapsulates the Finnish spirit. There are at least as many answers for this as there are Finnish people in the world.
Finland the the big nation with a small population of just roughly 5.6 million inhabitants situated on top of Europe, With a history full of many tales and reforms. Finland stands as a unique neighbour to its Scandinavian and Baltic counterparts. Through a various history of being under foreign rule Finland fought and achieved its independence in 1917.
So, what does my country and being Finnish mean for me. Born near the capital but raised in the countryside, I have seen the many shapes and landscapes of the country.
I would say that the most influential thing about being Finnish is the deep perseverance and sense of community in most who call this land their homeland. To take as examples we can look at the vast nature of Finland and the appreciation of it hold by most. Then on the other hand we can look at the grit and joy of supporting our national sports teams which especially in Ice Hockey brings everybody in as one.
And on a more personal note, for me being Finnish is being proud of my homeland, its beaty, its people and its accomplishments on the worldwide scale. Which also took an even grander perspective during and after my military service, which also cemented the feeling of community and common pride in being Finnish and of being ready to protect my Homeland.
Olli Karvinen
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