Independence Day in Finland

When did the Independence Day in Finland start?

The first recorded date of Independence Day in Finland being celebrated on December 6 was in the year 1917.

About Independence Day in Finland Holiday

Independence Day in Finland is one of the most important holidays of the year. On this day in December, Finland celebrates the 107th anniversary of its independence from Russia and Sweden.

The celebration is marked with a variety of activities that honor Finland’s long and storied history and highlight the resilience of the Finnish people. The day is filled with family gatherings, parades, concerts and special traditional foods. A notable part of the celebration is the tapiola, a traditional feast made of pork, reindeer, mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Independence Day in Finland is a time for all Finns to come together and celebrate their collective strength and shared national identity. The day embodies the unity, pride and joy of the people of Finland and provides an opportunity to celebrate and be thankful for the many blessings that come with this beautiful country.

Independence Day in Finland

Independence Day in Finland is a national holiday celebrated on December 6th every year. It is a special day where citizens of Finland commemorate the nation’s declaration of independence from the Russian Empire 99 years ago in 1917. This day is a solemn reminder of the great sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers for the liberation of the country and for the peaceful future of all Finns.

History and Origin

The story of Finland’s independence began late in the 19th century when a political and social movement called the Finns was organized by a group of Finnish thinkers, artists, and politicians. This movement sought to promote the rights of the Finns and encouraged them to seek greater autonomy from Russia. The political unrest and pressure from the Finns prompted Tsar Nicholas II to issue the Manifesto of the Grand Duke in October 1905, which declared the personal freedom, religious freedom, and national rights of the people of Finland.

In February 1917, the Russian Provisional Government abolished the Grand Duchy of Finland and recognized Finland’s right to autonomy. On December 6th of the same year, the Finnish Senate declared Finland an independent nation and removed the country from the Russian Empire. This was the official beginning of a new era for the nation, and the day is celebrated yearly as Independence Day.

Significance and Meaning

Independence Day is an important national holiday in Finland. It holds great significance for its citizens as it reminds them of the hard-fought struggle for freedom and liberty. The day is celebrated in the spirit of unity. People come together to commemorate the sacrifice and struggles of their ancestors who paid dearly for their freedom. Independence Day is also an occasion for the citizens of Finland to reflect on their national identity and the core values of their nation. Moreover, the day serves to remind them of their rights and duties as a part of the nation.

Traditions and Celebrations

Independence Day in Finland is celebrated with great enthusiasm. One of the most popular traditions of the day is the annual tango parade. This parade takes place in the city of Helsinki where people gather to march along the long procession. Nearly a million people from different parts of the country participate in this fun and vibrant event. Some people dress in traditional Finnish costumes while others carry flags to celebrate the country’s independence.

At night, the citizens join together for a fireworks display in the city center. During the fireworks, the national anthem is often sung as an act of patriotism and national pride. Throughout the day, bands play national songs in public parks and children perform traditional dances to honor the country’s independence.

Geographical Spread

Independence Day is celebrated only in Finland, in the capital city of Helsinki, as well as in other cities across the country. Although it is the most popularly celebrated occasion throughout Finland, there are some regional variations in the way it is observed depending on the location. In small towns and villages away from the capital, the day is celebrated with traditional rites, music, and folk dances.

In the northern region of Lapland, for example, Independence Day celebrations include visiting family and friends, exchanges of gifts, and traditional Christmas markets. In the south, on the other hand, celebrations include community events, boat parades, and festivals dedicated to the country’s independence.

Modern Day Observations

In modern times, Independence Day in Finland is still celebrated in the same manner as it was at the time of its inception in 1917. The traditions and rituals of the day have stayed the same and still remain closely associated with the early spirit of liberation and unity. In recent years, the day has seen more emphasis on the country’s cultural and national identity.

For example, the annual tango parade in Helsinki now includes multiple national symbols, such as banners of the national flag and signs of the country’s anthem and motto. The event is also accompanied by modern technology, such as drones, video displays, and light installations.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

1. Independence Day in Finland is often referred to as “Finnish National Day”, and is usually celebrated with grandiose displays of national pride and patriotism.

2. The Manifesto of the Grand Duke of 1905 was the key document that marked the beginning of the struggle for independence in Finland. It granted the Finns several rights including personal freedom, religious freedom, and the right to form a government.

3. The annual parade in Helsinki is one of the largest tango parades in the world. It has become a popular tourist attraction and is attended by people from around the world.

4. The current prime minister of Finland, Juha Sipilä, was born a year before the nation’s official declaration of independence in 1917. In 2011, he was elected the leader of the nation, assuming the first Finnish prime minister of the independent Finland.

5. The Finnish flag, also called the blue cross flag, is one of the oldest flags in the world. It is believed to have been in use since the 16th Century.

6. Independence Day in Finland is a non-working public holiday. All schools, banks, and government offices are closed for the day.

7. The people of Finland traditionally mark the start of Independence Day with a 15-minute period of silence. This is to honor the brave souls that fought for the country’s freedom.

8. After the Gnat, Finland adopted the Swedish currency, the markka for a period of 40 years until 1999 when Finland gave up the markka and adopted the euro.

9. The Finnish government declared the white lily, the national flower of Finland in 1989. It is commonly seen during celebrations of Independence Day.

10. The Finns have created their own unique version of the national anthem, which includes words in both Finnish and Swedish.

Holiday Wishes

1. Wishing all a proud and peaceful Independence Day.
2. May this Independence Day bring us all a moment of joy and reflection.
3. May your Independence Day be filled with good memories and goodwill.
4. Wishing everyone a day of joy and national pride.
5. May the spirit of freedom fill your hearts this Independence Day.

Holiday Messages

1. The courage and the will of our forefathers gave us the freedom we enjoy today. Let us honor and celebrate them this Independence Day.
2. Let us remember these words on Independence Day: Freedom is always fragile and must be defended.
3. Rejoice in our country’s freedom and cherish its beauty this Independence Day.
4. On Independence Day, let us unite in our common bonds to make our nation a better place.
5. Let us be thankful for the freedom and liberty we have on this Independence Day.

Holiday Quotes

1. “Our nation is built upon the principle of freedom and independence.” – John Adams
2. “The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” – Jane Addams
3. “Freedom is a precious gift and we must fight to protect it.” – Nelson Mandela
4. “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” – Thomas Jefferson
5. “The only way to maintain freedom is to use it.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Other Popular Holiday Info

Independence Day in Finland is a proud and special occasion, highlighting all that Finland stands for and reminds the nation of the great struggle and sacrifice made to secure its freedom. To celebrate the holiday, several cultural events are held throughout the capital, while smaller communities organize traditional activities such as boat parades.

In addition to its national significance, Finland’s Independence Day has recently become a popular tourist destination as well. It is not uncommon to see foreign travelers and visitors from different parts of the world in Helsinki, participating in the activities and festivities of the day. The day is also commemorated with various events, such as the international friendship ceremony, which honors people from all countries for their friendship and cooperation with the nation of Finland.

All in all, Independence Day in Finland is a holiday of national pride and triumph. It brings generations of Finns together in the spirit of unity and appreciation for the country’s history and freedoms. On this day, Finns embrace their identities and bask in the knowledge that freedom comes with responsibility. The nation commemorates its achievement of autonomy and celebrates the special bonds that make Finland a peaceful and prosperous part of the global community.