Finnish Customs and Way of Life

Finland did not become urbanized until the 1960’s. This means that many middle-aged Finns still have rural roots. Their former close ties with nature may well be the reason why nature and the now increasingly sparsely populated rural areas mean a lot to Finns. Many city-dwellers have a summer cottage out in the country, where they spend most of their summer.

Finns are said to be relatively quiet and shy, but straightforward and honest. The four distinct seasons mould the Finnish character. Life in general is much more relaxed in the summer than in the winter. Bathing in the sauna and boating form an essential part of summer cottage life. In the autumn, people visit their cottages and go out into the forest to pick berries and mushrooms. In the rural areas, most Finnish families have a sauna of their own, in the cities there is usually a common sauna in every block of flats. The sauna is an excellent place for relaxation and it is said that in the sauna everyone is equal.

Finns have a special passion for sports such as ice hockey, crosscountry skiing, downhill skiing or javelin throwing. Ski jumping, jogging, motor-racing, orienteering and Finnish baseball are also national pastimes.

Finnish families are typically small, few having more than three children. Single parents are not uncommon, and there is an increasing number of step families formed by the remarriage of single parents. Marriage is common, but it is just as common for people to live together for some years before getting married.

It should be pointed out that there is a strong tradition of female emancipation in Finland. About 50 per cent of women with children under 18 years have a regular job, and well over 50 per cent of university students are female. In general, however, women’s salary is lower than that of men. Legislation has been enacted to promote gender equality.

We have also listed some key concepts in the Finnish customs and way of life. We hope they will help you understand our country and her people!