Finland is a country in Northern Europe, surrounded by Sweden, Norway and Russia. The capital is Helsinki located on a peninsula and the surrounding islands are located in the Baltic Sea.
National Day in Finland is observed as Finnish Independence Day ("Itsenäisyyspäivä" in Finnish) on December 6 annually commemorating Finland’s independence from Russia in 1917.
Finland National Day 2023
Finnish Independence Day is held every year on December 6 to celebrate its independence from Russia in 1917. December 6 is a day held to commemorate Finland’s declaration of independence from the Russian Empire when the Bolsheviks took power in late 1917. This year, the day will be observed on Tuesday, December 6.
History of Finland Independence Day
In short, Finland was ruled by Sweden and Russia before independence. From the mediaeval age until the early 1900s, Finland was a part of Sweden. The Swedish war against Napoleon did not go that well, and Russia invaded Finland in 1808 and gave Finland to Russia a year later.
The movement for Finland began after the Russian revolutions, which were caused by the Russian crisis associated with the First World War. This allowed Finland to withdraw from Russian rule after numerous disagreements between non-socialists and social democrats about who was holding power in Finland. On December 4, 1917, the Senate of Finland, headed by Pehr Evind Svinhufvud, finally made the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Finnish parliament two days later, on December 6.
The first Independence Day of Finland was celebrated in 1917, but left-wing parties wanted it to be celebrated on November 15, as the people of Finland (represented by the parliament) took power on November 15, 1917. After passing a year after independence was declared, academicians celebrated the day on December 6th, 1918.
How to Celebrate Finland Independence Day
The day is celebrated throughout Finland and by Finns around the world with a few small symbols of the country’s pride and history. Finland’s Independence Day is probably the most celebrated of all the Nordic national holidays. This historic day is embraced with little fanfare, but cherished customs and traditions can be found throughout the country.
Here we describe ways to celebrate Finland's independence day -
1. The Candles
There are special white and blue candles to celebrate Independence Day. Put candles by the window, usually two. This tradition dates back to the 19th century because, at that time, the two candles were the symbol of Finnish nationalism.
2. War Graves
A lot of Finns go to the cemetery and light candles so the whole place vibrates beautifully. In all large and small towns, war graves and memorial stones are visited by local officials and sometimes there is a candlelight parade of students or children as a mark of our respect.
3. Paint Wall And The Street
Blue and white are the national colours of Finland and so, you can paint the streets and walls blue and white by writing your Finnish Independence Day wishes messages or quotes. You can paint the Finnish National Flag too.
4. Organise or Attend Programmes
Various types of programs can be organized. And if you're unable to do so, you can attend any of these programs. The programs can include various speech competitions like those on the history of Finnish independence, the concept of Finnish Independence Day, and many more.
5. Arranging Festivals
Arranging festivals is one of the most exciting things for Finnish citizens. A celebration will bring together people who can talk about Independence Day. Children will also learn about the history of their country’s Independence Day. It’s going to make for an amazing time there.
Besides, there are many more ways to celebrate Independence Day.
How does Finland celebrate Independence Day?
Finns are celebrating their independence in a typically understated fashion. Although there are no parades or large gatherings, there are several notable and traditional events that mark the day. The white and blue colors can be seen throughout the country as a nod to the Finnish flag and Finland’s national colors. The festival features special white and black candles throughout, usually on two sets of window sills.
Independence Day is dedicated to war casualties, and the annual screening of Tuntematon sotilas (The Unknown Soldier), a beloved and respected World War II film based on the novel by Väinö Linna. War memorials and military graves are tended by municipal officials and people light candles at cemeteries across the country.
Independence Day celebrations usually begin with the raising of the Finnish flag on Tähtitorninmäki ("Observatory Hill") in Helsinki. Helsinki Cathedral hosts a religious service and official visits to World War II war memorials.
The most awaited part of the Independence Day celebrations is the presidential Independence Day reception, called Linnan juhlat, which means "The Castle Ball". At 7:00 pm, Finns turn on their TVs to watch about 2,000 people attend a lavish party at the presidential castle.
Is Finland Independence Day a national holiday?
Yes, the day is a national holiday. The only non-Christian holiday in Finland after May Day (August 1).
National Flag of Finland and Its Significance
The national flag of Finland (Finnish: Suomen lippu), also called siniristilippu ("Blue Cross Flag"), consists of a white field carrying a blue cross. The white background features a sea-blue Nordic cross, symbolising Christianity. The flag used for the Civil flag and ensign. It has a proportion of 11:18, 4:3:4 (vertically),
5:3:10 (horizontally) and adopted on 28 May 1918.
When Finland passed from Swedish rule to Russian rule in 1809, it lost most of its autonomy. Therefore, the Finns created local symbols to remind them of their language, culture, and history. In 1862, eminent writer Zacarias Topelio proposed a new flag that became popular. It had a white background for its snow and a blue tint for its lakes. When Finland gained its independence from the Russian Revolution in 1917, there was debate about the appropriateness of the official flag for the new country. Eventually, a national sentiment supported Topelius's white flag with a blue cross (depicted as the Scandinavian Cross (also called the Nordic Cross), officially adopted on March 29, 1918.
National Symbols of Finland
Finnish symbols are natural symbols of national events and popular figures that are associated with Finland. The country’s most recognizable symbols are the Finnish flag and the lion featured on the Finnish coat of arms.
Some iconic nature symbols include:
- National Animal: Brown Bear
- National Bird: Whooper Swan
- National Flower: Lily-of-the-valley
- National Tree: Silver Birch
- National Fish: Perch.
National Anthem of Finland
"Maamme" is a national antan unofficial national anthem of Finlandsed by German immigrant Fredrik Pacius, with original Swedish words by Johan Ludvig Runeberg, and was first performed with this music on April 13, 1848. It is also known as "Vårt land" which means in English is: "Our Land"
What is Finland famous for?
Finland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, famous for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, wonderful lifestyle, and delicious food. Not only that, many tourists choose to come to this country to witness the elusive and enchanting Aurora Borealis.
What is the Finnish motto?
Finland as a country does not have an official motto. Sometimes they use three words starting with S "Sisu, Sauna and Sibelius". Sisu is difficult to translate, it’s something like courage and perseverance, sauna is a Finnish bath and Sibelius is a prominent Finnish composer.
What do Finns call Finland?
Suomi
The Finns call their country ‘Suomi’, but no one knows where the name came from, or why, centuries ago it was known as Finland, although Suomi still survives
Happy Finnish Independence Day Wishes & Messages for 2023
Finland compelled for independence after a long journey and struggle and declared its independence from Russia on December 6, 1917, in parliament, Below we've brought the best wishes and messages for you to share -
- If freedom snatched from a country, countrymen would be dumbfounded like sheep to the butcher. Remember those on Finnish Independence Day for whom we got an independent Finland.
- Gratitudes to our freedom fighters and past leaders for giving us the gift of a 'free' Finland! Happy Finnish Independence Day!
- May the morning sun bring hope and good fortune to our nation as we celebrate National Independence Day today. Hyvää Itsenäisyyspäivää!
- My love for my country is huge, my devotion to my country is endless, and all that my command country needs are peace. Happy Finnish Independence Day!
- It is because of God’s justice that we have these three indescribably precious things in our country: the right to free speech, freedom of conscience, and the discretion of new never to use.
Finland's Independence Day Status 2023
6 December is a sacred day for the Finns as this is the day Finland appeared as an independent nation. We bring here the best statuses them to share on social platforms -
- Don’t worry about the weather here what plans do you have in mind today? Let's go outside and celebrate Independence Day together. Happy Finnish independence day!
- Of course, freedom is priceless and we are proud to be a free and independent country. Happy Finnish Independence Day!
- The greatest thing in life is freedom and so love the country no matter what situation we live in. Hyvää Itsenäisyyspäivää!
- It is always better to die for the country and fight for freedom than to be a prisoner of all life. Happy Finnish independence day!
- Freedom can’t be matched by anything. Celebrate this Independence Day with pride and glory. Hyvää Itsenäisyyspäivää!
Finnish Independence Day SMS 2023
If you are looking for the best SMSs to share with your loved ones to wish for on this independence day then you're in right place. Here are the best SMSs for Finland's Independence Day -
- Allow the spirit of freedom to soar today. Wishing you a wonderful celebration of Hyvää Itsenäisyyspäivää!
- Finns say that being born in Finland is the equivalent of winning a jackpot in the lottery, I recognise this! I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful, well-educated educated educated tech independence day!
- Today, I wish the morning sun brings hope and brings luck to our nation as we celebrate 104 years of Independence. Hyvää Itsenäisyyspäivää!
- On this Finnish Independence Day, I salute the sacred spirit of those heroes who sacrificed their lives for Finland’s Independence from Russia.
Finnish Quotes, Sayings, and Proverbs
Below are beautiful and inspiring Finnish Quotes, Sayings and Proverbs -
"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will." - Charlotte Brontë
Finnish Sayings
- Who asks for the road doesn't get lost (Ei kysyvä tieltä easy).
- Emergeneasyoes are not read the law (Hätä ei lue lakia).
- What comes singing, leaves whistling (Mikä laulaen tulee, see viheltäen melee).
- A poke in the eye for the one, who dwells on the past (Joka vanhoja muistelee, sitä tikulla silmään).
- In need, you know a friend (Hädässä ystävä tunnetaan).
Finnish Proverbs
- You won't waste time by thinking (Aatelles ei mää Aika chukka).
- In a business between two: the third gets nothing (Cahden Cauppa; Colmannen ei mitän).
- There's no evil without some goodness (Ei niin photo, joss ephotoai hyvvee).
- English equivalent; Every cloud has its silver lining.
Independence Day is a special day for every independent country. We should all respect each country’s Independence Day. Whereas Finland was struggling before independence, now it celebrates its Independence Day with great joy.