Finnish Culture

Finland has a unique history, and modern Finnish culture is influenced by the indigenous cultures of the country along with many modern influences. Because of its geographic location, Finland has incorporated some aspects of cultures from surrounding cultures, including those of Baltic, Finnic and Germanic peoples. A great deal of influence also stems from Russia and Sweden. While the country is widely known for inventing the sauna, Finnish culture is also rich in its own distinct music, dance styles, visual arts, literature, traditions, cuisine, and much more.

Finnish music is heavily influenced by traditional Karelian lyrics and melodies. While there is plenty of modern music that the country is proud to call their own, Finland’s folk music has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent decades. That said, new artists are hitting the Finnish music scene all of the time, and a great deal of dance and electronic music has become popular in recent years.

Finnish architecture, sculpture, and other visual arts are renowned around the world. In addition, there are many famous Finnish writers from past eras, such as Eino Leino and Aleksis Kivi, and modern writers, such as IIkka Remes, that are beloved by today’s readers.

Juhannus, the Finnish midsummer, is a holiday that is celebrated by most residents of the country. During Juhannus, most Finnish people spend time in country cottages along one of the many beautiful lakes in Finland.

A significant part of Finnish culture is the local food, which is influenced by the cuisines of Western Russia, European cuisine, and other locations within the Fennoscandia region. Finnish cuisine can be described as simple, yet healthy and refreshing. While spices were not widely used in the past, due to the country’s geographic location, a variety of spices are now incorporated into modern Finnish recipes.

The best way to enjoy a trip to Finland is to become familiar with the Finnish language. While the language isn’t the easiest of languages to adapt to for English speakers, you can begin learning how to speak Finnish by starting with the basics. Today, there are many highly effective ways to quickly learn a new language so that you can make the most of your time and effort. For instance, if you find yourself strapped for time, consider listening to a Finnish podcast that is designed for people planning a trip to Finland or for any other goals you may have for learning the language. As you learn Finnish, you are sure to expand your understanding and appreciation for Finnish culture.