Many of us joke about Finns. These people are considered very slow, they do everything slowly, they speak for a long time and stretched out. But we decided to dig deeper and get rid of the stereotypes that exist in society. What are the traditions of Finland? What is so special about this country? How do Finns live and how do they relate to certain things? We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the traditions of Finland.
Relation to the word, or etiquette of speech
Finns communicate in very conservative patterns. First, they never chatter or shout. Loud speech scares the inhabitants of this Scandinavian country in the same way as loud laughter or any other vivid expression of emotions. During a conversation, it is customary to look into the interlocutor’s eyes, and any creep to averting one's eyes is regarded as cunning. It is customary to resolve any dispute or disagreement not with shouts and scandals, but with a peaceful discussion at the table - such a tradition of Finland has been preserved since ancient times.
Along with all this, the Finns are closely following their own words and the speech of the interlocutor. Their popular proverb says: "A bull is taken by the horns, and a man is caught by word." It is also important to note that this northern people is more than educated in terms of communication. No one interrupts a person who says something until he finishes his thought. Otherwise, it will be considered as ignorance and disrespect.
About Finnish Hospitality
Reception of guests is a sacred affair. We decided to drop in for a cup of tea on the way to the store without warning. In Finland, the traditions are such that for the arrival of the guests for a long time and carefully prepare. They clean the house, prepare generous treats, beautifully set the table and serve the most delicious drinks. From those who come to visit, rely gifts. Moreover, we note that the Finns are very fond of things produced in their home country. Here is such patriotism and conservatism in terms of friendly visits and visits on a visit.
About a man and a woman
But in terms of relations between the sexes, Finland took a few steps forward in comparison with our country. To begin with, it isn’t customary for men or women to be late for dates. Relations begin to be built on equal rights with respect and understanding of the tastes and preferences of the other person. In restaurants, as a rule, everyone pays his own bill. However, in some cases, the gentleman may offer the lady to pay for her. She, of course, is unlikely to agree to this, but will put a plus to this guy. People value politeness in each other, pay attention to how a person relates to national culture, what are his life priorities. It is imperative to remember that Finnish women value their freedom and personal space. Even when they are in a relationship, they will not tolerate bans and barriers to the realization of their own "I".
About tip
This sensitive issue is individual not only for each individual country, but also for each city. In Finland, the tradition of leaving service staff "for tea" has a place in the culture, but not much attention is paid to it. First of all, we note that here comes a huge sweat of emigrants, who, as a rule, occupy serving positions. It is worth remembering that these people need money a priori, so "tea" will not hurt them. In restaurants, it is customary to leave from 10 to 20 percent of the amount of the check. In a taxi, round the amount in favor of the driver, without requiring surrender. In hotels, foreigners often tip, but local staff do not rely on these funds.
Greetings
The culture and traditions of Finland, as we have already found out, are very conservative. Therefore, the greeting process here is extremely modest and quiet. Men and women greet each other equally, shaking hands. Young girls, as around the world, began to kiss each other on the cheek when they met, but so far this phenomenon is rare on the streets of Finland. Touching with shoulders, elbows, hugs that follow a handshake - all this Finns do not accept and do not even understand. In general, these are very reserved people. There are not even kissing couples on the streets. These Scandinavians are simply not used to expressing their feelings to everyone and to embarrass those around them.
Sauna and fishing - a sustainable Finnish stereotype
The steam room has been a symbol of Finland and Russia for centuries. And if in our country it is customary to call it a bath, then the northern neighbors call it a sauna. Some people constantly like to emphasize the differences between our steam room and Finnish, but they are completely insignificant. An ancient proverb says: "First build a sauna, and then - a house." In ancient times, the Finns did just that, since it was in this room that their whole life consisted. Here they did not just relax and enjoy the hot air currents. In the sauna, they washed, gave birth, were treated and even smoked sausage!
Sauna is inextricably linked with fishing. This is an age-old tradition of the people of Finland, which originated for a very interesting reason. The fact is that steam rooms have always been built in the most picturesque places, and such were the coasts of lakes. It was in these reservoirs that they caught a fish, which then could be smoked and eaten with beer or kvass, steaming in the sauna.
From hunting to dog breeding
We all know that the ancient northern peoples were very cruel. They loved not only to fight, but also to hunt, and then cut off the heads of their trophies and hang them in huge living rooms right on the walls. The interior with deer heads is still considered to be primordially Finnish, but, fortunately, today the heads of the once living inhabitants of the forest are often replaced by stuffed animals. Hunting in Finland has transformed into a love of animals and a policy to protect their rights. In particular, the Finns are very fond of dogs, in the country there are more shops for four-legged than beauty salons. Also, politicians monitor the observance of rights and orders in relation to our smaller brothers.
