Culture of Finland 600918 225215158 2008-07-12T14:33:41Z 76.17.160.110 /* Sports */ {{Unreferenced|date=October 2006}} {{expert-subject|Culture}} The '''culture of Finland''' combines indigenous heritage, as represented by the country's rare [[Finno-Ugric]] national language, [[Finnish language|Finnish]], the [[sauna]], and the traditional idea of self-suffiency with common [[Nordic countries|Nordic]] and [[Europe|European]] culture. Because of its history and geographic location Finland has been influenced by the adjacent area's various Finnic, Baltic and Germanic peoples as well as the former dominant powers [[Sweden]] and [[Russia]]. Finnish culture may be seen to build upon the relatively ascetic environmental realities, traditional livelihoods and a heritage of widespread [[egalitarianism]], (see e.g.: [[Everyman's right]], and [[universal suffrage]]). Today, cultural influences from the [[United States]] are prominent. Into the [[21st century|twenty-first century]], many Finns have contacted cultures from distantly abroad, such as with those in [[Asia]] and [[Africa]]. Beyond tourism, Finnish youth in particular have been increasing their contact with peoples from outside Finland by travelling abroad to both work and study. There are still differences between regions, especially minor differences in accents and vocabulary. Minorities, such as the [[Sami people|Sami]], [[Swedish-speaking Finns|Finland Swedes]], [[Finnish Roma|Romani]], and [[Finnish Tatars|Tatar]], maintain their own cultural characteristics. Many Finns are emotionally connected to the countryside and nature, as urbanisation is a relatively recent phenomenon. ==Historical aspects== [[Image:Astuvansalmi hirvia.jpg|thumb|left|270px|Prehistoric [[red ochre]] painted rock art of moose, human figures, and boats in Astuvansalmi, Finland from ca. 3800-2200 BC.]] Following the recession of the [[Last glacial period|Scandinavian ice sheet]], which covered most of northern Europe, from Great Britain to Moscow, around 8,000 B.C.E., peoples began arriving in what is today Finland presumably mainly from the south and east although recent archaeological finds reveal a presence of the north-western [[Komsa culture]] in Finnish north equally old to the earliest finds on the Norwegian coast.<ref>PEOPLE, MATERIAL CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE NORTH Proceedings of the 22nd Nordic Archaeological Conference, University of Oulu, 18-23 August 2004 Edited by Vesa-Pekka Herva GUMMERUS KIRJAPAINO [http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514281411/isbn9514281411.pdf] </ref> The area of Finland belonged to the Stone Age northeastern European [[Kunda culture]] until around 5,000 B.C.E. and [[Comb Ceramic culture]] from about 4200 B.C.E. - 2000 B.C.E. The [[Kiukainen culture]] on the southwestern coast of Finland showed the first signs of agriculture in Finland around 2500 B.C.E. The inland still continued to practice hunting and gathering. Later influences from Scandinavian and Baltic contacts intermingled in Finland with influences arriving via long-established contacts and trade networks with other areas of Northeastern Europe, especially the Volga-Ural region of today's Russia, throughout the Bronze Age (1500 B.C.E.–500 B.C.E) and Iron Age (500 B.C.E–1200 C.E.). From 1100 to 1200 the crown of Sweden started to incorporate Finland. However, Novgorod also attempted to gain control. Several wars were fought between Sweden and Novgorod and later Muscovy and Russia between the 1400 and 1700. In 1721, the Nystad Peace Treaty was signed ending Swedish dominance in the Baltic region. In 1809 Finland was annexed by Russia. From 1809 to 1917 Finland was a [[Grand Duchy of Finland|Grand Duchy]] with the Russian Czar as the constitutional monarch. [http://www.histdoc.net/history/history.html] Karelia, where most of the Russo-Swedish conflicts occurred, was influenced by both cultures though mostly it remained peripheral to both epicentres of power. The verses in the [[Kalevala]] originate mainly from Karelia and [[Ingria]]. The 19th century brought a feeling of [[Romantic nationalism|national Romanticism]] and [[Nationalism]] throughout Europe. Finland's nationalism also grew where cultural identity and control of their land became a priority. Expression of Finnish identity by the [[docent|University docent]], A. I. Arwidsson (1791 - 1858), became an often quoted [[Fennoman]] credo: "Swedes we are not / no-longer, Russians we do not want to become, let us therefore be / become Finns."<ref>Swedish form: "Svenskar äro vi icke längre, ryssar vilja vi icke bli, låt oss alltså bli finnar." Finnish form: "Ruotsalaisia emme ole, venäläisiksi emme tule, olkaamme siis suomalaisia".</ref> Nationalism heightened and resulted in a declaration of independence from Russia on December 6, 1917, [[Finnish Independence Day]]. Notably, nationalists did not consider the Swedish-speakers members of a different (Swedish) nation; in fact, many Fennomans came from a Swedish-speaking family. ==People== [[Image:Mustamäki postcard FRONT SIDE.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Finnish folk dancers in a 1907 postcard sent from Mustamäki, Finland]] [[Image:Talonpoikaisnaisia Ruokolahdelta.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A peasant girl and a woman in traditional dress from Ruokolahti, eastern Finland, as depicted by Severin Falkman in 1882]] The Finnish-speaking part of the population are called [[Finns]], possibly including a subculture of [[Swedish-speaking Finns]]. Finns are genetically of the same origin as other Europeans. The Finnish language is also a native European language, and belongs to [[Baltic-Finnic languages]], a subgroup of the [[Uralic languages]]. Finns are traditionally divided to subgroups (''heimo'') according to dialect, but these groupings have only a minor importance due to 20th century urbanization and internal migration. The Finnish society encourages equality and liberalism with a popular commitment to the ideals of the [[welfare state]]; discouraging disparity of wealth and division into social classes. [[Everyman's right]] (Ministry of Environment, 1999) is a philosophy carried over from ancient times. All citizens have access to public and private lands for agrarian activities or leisure. Finns value being close to nature, the agricultural roots are embedded in the rural lifestyle. Finns are also nationalistic, as opposed to self-identification with ethnicity or clan. Religion began as [[paganism]], mythology and magic. The traditions were partly indigenous, but also influenced by [[Norse paganism]]. [[Song magic]] and [[bear worship]] are distinctive marks of the ancient religion. However, modernization ended the traditions ultimately in the first decade of the 20th century. Christianity entered Finnish culture in the 12th century [http://philtar.ucsm.ac.uk/encyclopedia/europe/finnish.html]. Professor Olli Alho, PhD, reports today 83% of Finns belong to the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland|Evangelical Lutheran Church]] and 1.1% belong to the [[Finnish Orthodox Church]]. In general, Finns are secular in their views [http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=25001]. The [[Protestant work ethic]] remains a significant cultural value, and free education is a highly prized institution. Prior to the Finnish independence, education was available to the elite. With the emergence of reform, the Compulsory Education Act made education a civil right and available to all citizens. The beliefs of the Finns are future employment security necessitating higher education in today's increasingly technological world (Kyr, M. & Nyysol, K., 2006). ===Native subcultures=== Subcultures have been a part of Finnish history. The largest subculture is the [[Swedish-speaking Finns]]. This group does have unique traditions distinct from the mainstream Finnish-speaking ones, but does not live in a different society. The group has various origins, both from language switching and from immigration. The [[Lapland]] region of the North holds the [[Sami]] population. Up to around 1500 the Sami were mainly fishermen and trappers, usually in a combination, leading a nomadic lifestyle decided by the migrations of the reindeer. Traditionally, Sami people engaged in fishing, trapping and herding reindeer. They have traditionally organized their societies differently from the Finns due to their nomadic lifestyle. Their native language is not Finnish, but one of the three [[Sami languages]] spoken in Finland. However, modern times have brought most Sami to urban areas, where they assimilate to mainstream society and speak Finnish. 10% of Sami continue herding in Northern Finland. Currently, the Sami are a 5% minority in their native [[Finnish Lapland]]. Another nomadic group is the Finnish [[Gypsies]] who have existed since the 1600's. For centuries Gypsy men were horse traders, whereas in the post-war era they have turned to horse breeding and dealing in automobiles and scrap metal. Women traditionally engage in fortune telling and hand crafts. Gypsies have been the target of harassment and discrimination in Finland. "A permanent Advisory Commission on Gypsy Affairs was set up in 1968, and in 1970 racial discrimination was outlawed through an addition to the penal code. The law punished blatant acts such as barring Gypsies from restaurants or shops or subjecting them to unusual surveillance by shopkeepers or the police."<ref>The Library of Congress Country Studies; CIA World Factbook</ref>. Today, financial aid is provided to improve the standard of living for 5,000-6,000 Finnish Gypsies. ==Family structure== The Finnish family life is usually understood to be centered on the [[nuclear family]], rather than the [[extended family]].There are usually one or two children in a family. Traditionally, men are the wage-earners and women remain in the home and care for children. However, since the Second World War, [[gender roles]] have changed. Today, both men and women are dual wage-earners. The welfare system allows for generous parental leave with income-based benefits (Leitner, A. & Wroblewski, A., 2006). Finnish parents have the option to take partial or total leave they are entitled to. A majority of mothers opt to take longer leave, up to one year. Finland's divorce rate is 51% of marriages being dissolved (Statistics Finland, updated 5/07). [[Cohabitation]] is also common. Youth seek independence and typically move from their parents' residence around the age of twenty and relocate to youth [[hostels]] or apartments. Females tend to leave the family home earlier in pursuit of education. Males remain in the home longer due to obligations to the [[military]]. Members of the extended family typically live apart. ==Festivities and Traditions== [[Image:Moekki.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A summer cottage ("mökki") on a lake island]] [[Image:Midsummer bonfire closeup.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A Juhannus bonfire ("kokko") in Mäntsälä]] [[Image:Vappu Esplanadilla.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Students on Helsinki's Esplanadi wearing their caps on [[Vappu]].]] [[Image:Savusauna.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A lakeside smoke sauna ("savusauna") in Kannonkoski]] Finnish holidays are similar to the Western Christian calendar and Protestant traditions. Holidays and traditions are a blend of the thousand-year old Christian presence and vestiges of old [[Finnish paganism|Finnish pagan traditions]]. Notable among these is [[Juhannus#Finland|Juhannus]], the Finnish [[Midsummer]]. A majority of Finns retreat to summer cottages (''mökki'') on any one of Finland's numerous lakes. Depending on the region, a bonfire at midnight celebrates the summer [[solstice]], and in Åland, the Swedish-originated tradition of dancing around the [[Maypole]] is observed. The midsummer traditions also include different versions of pairing magic and folklore in the festivities. The Finnish [[Christmas]], ''Joulu'', follows traditions of [[Christmas tree]]s and the [[Advent calendar]]s. Holidays start on the 23rd of December. Gift giving occurs on Christmas Eve with a visit from [[Joulupukki]] ([[Father Christmas]], [[Santa Claus]]). Traditional meals are typically only eaten on Christmas followed by [[sauna]]. Christmas Day is reserved for a "quiet day" [http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=25001] and ends on the 26th, St. Stephen's Day (''tapaninpäivä''). [[Easter]] is a combination of Christian and Pagan customs. Either on [[Palm Sunday]] or the [[Holy Saturday]], children dress up as witches (''noita'') and go from door to door, giving away daffodil adorned branches of willow in exchange for sweets. Burning Easter bonfires is a Pagan custom meant to keep witches at bay. [[Walpurgis Night#Finland|Vappu]], or [[May Day]] is a national holiday, an event for Finns to emphatically welcome spring after several months of little daylight. It can be compared to [[Mardi Gras]] with parades and parties. Traditionally, the event begins on the eve of Vappu by former and current students putting on their [[student cap]]s (graduation cap). Finnish Independence Day is the 6th of December and a national holiday. [[Sauna]] is a steam bath practiced widely in Finland. The word is of Proto-Finnish origin (found in Baltic-Finnic and Sámi languages) dating back 7,000 years.<ref>[http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=26074 Sauna – A Finnish national institution — Virtual Finland<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The [[sauna]]'s purpose is to bathe, and the heat (either dry or steam) opens pores in the skin and thoroughly cleanses the body. Cedar or birch branches can be tapped along the body to stimulate blood circulation. The sauna soothes sore and aching muscles. The Finns often use and have used the sauna to recover from hard physical labor. Sauna culture dictates subdued speech and time for thought to soothe the mind. Sauna is not to be rushed as it is essential to spiritual living. The structure of the sauna began as a small log building partially buried in the earth. A "smoke sauna" was used to cure meats in pre-industrial years as well as, to bathe or a sterile environment for childbirth, but this tradition has declined in favor of a modern invention, the continuously heated sauna, which is hotter, cleaner and faster to heat up. In Finnish saunas, temperature is set to about 60–100 C, and small amounts of water thrown on rocks atop the stove emit steam, which produces a heat sensation. Some Finns prefer the "dry sauna" using very little steam, if any. Traditional sauna includes the process of perspiring and cooling several times. A part of the cooling process may be a swim in the lake before returning to the sauna for an additional sweat. Similar steam baths have been part of European tradition elsewhere as well, but the sauna has survived best in Finland, in addition to Sweden, Estonia, and Russia. Moreover, nearly all Finnish houses have either their own sauna, or in multistory apartment houses, a timeshared sauna. Public saunas were previously common, but the tradition has declined when saunas have been built nearly everywhere (private homes, municipal swimming halls, hotels, corporate headquarters, gyms, etc.). Finland has a great amount of summer festivals, the biggest being music festivals. ==Literature== {{main|Finnish literature}} Though Finnish written language could be said to exist since [[Mikael Agricola]] translated the [[New Testament]] into Finnish in the [[16th century|sixteenth century]] as a result of the [[Protestant Reformation]], few notable works of literature were written until the [[19th century|nineteenth century]], which saw the beginning of a Finnish national [[Romanticism|Romantic Movement]]. This prompted [[Elias Lönnrot]] to collect Finnish and Karelian folk poetry and arrange and publish them as ''[[Kalevala]]'', the Finnish [[national epic]]. The era saw a rise of poets and novelists who wrote in Finnish, notably [[Aleksis Kivi]] and [[Eino Leino]]. After Finland became independent there was a rise of modernist writers, most famously [[Mika Waltari]]. [[Frans Eemil Sillanpää]] was awarded the [[Nobel Prize in Literature]] in 1939 &ndash; so far the only one for a Finnish author. The [[World War II|second World War]] prompted a return to more national interests in comparison to a more international line of thought, characterized by [[Väinö Linna]]. Literature in modern Finland is in a healthy state, with detective stories enjoying a particular boom of popularity. [[Ilkka Remes]], a Finnish [[author]] of [[Thriller (genre)|thrillers]], is very popular. ==Visual arts== <!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[Image:Aaltoarchitects.jpg|thumb|right|The architect couple [[Aino Aalto|Aino]] and [[Alvar Aalto]].]] --> {{seealso|List of Finnish architects}} Finns have made major contributions to [[handicraft]]s and [[industrial design]]. Finland's best-known sculptor of the twentieth century was [[Wäinö Aaltonen]], remembered for his monumental [[Bust (sculpture)|busts]] and [[sculpture]]s. Finnish architecture is famous around the world. Among the top of the twentieth century Finnish architects to win international recognition are [[Eliel Saarinen]] (designer of the widely recognised [[Helsinki Central railway station]] and many other public works) and his son [[Eero Saarinen]]. [[Alvar Aalto]], who helped bring the [[Functionalism (architecture)|functionalist architecture]] to Finland, is also famous for his work in [[furniture]] and [[glassware]] ==Music == {{main|Music of Finland}} ===Folk music=== Much of the music of Finland is influenced by traditional [[Karelia]]n melodies and lyrics, as comprised in the ''[[Kalevala]].'' Karelian culture is perceived as the purest expression of the [[Finnic peoples|Finnic]] myths and beliefs, less influenced by [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] influence, in contrast to Finland's position between [[Eastern world|the East]] and [[Western world|the West]]. Finnish [[folk music]] has undergone a [[roots revival]] in recent decades, and has become a part of [[popular music]]. '''Sami music''' {{main|Sami music}} The people of northern Finland, Sweden and Norway, the [[Sami people|Sami]], are known primarily for highly spiritual songs called [[Yoik|Joik]]. The same word sometimes refers to [[lavlu]] or [[vuelie]] songs, though this is technically incorrect. ===Classical and opera=== [[Image:Jean sibelius.jpg|thumb|upright|The Finnish [[composer]] [[Jean Sibelius]] (1865–1957), a significant figure in the history of [[European classical music|classical music]].]] The first Finnish opera was written by the [[Germany|German]] composer [[Fredrik Pacius]] in 1852. Pacius also wrote [[Maamme|''Maamme/Vårt land'' (Our Land)]], Finland's [[national anthem]]. In the 1890s Finnish [[nationalism]] based on the ''Kalevala'' spread, and [[Jean Sibelius]] became famous for his vocal symphony ''[[Kullervo (Sibelius)|Kullervo]]''. He soon received a grant to study ''runo singers'' in Karelia and continued his rise as the first prominent Finnish musician. In 1899 he composed [[Finlandia (symphonic poem)|Finlandia]], which played its important role in Finland gaining independence. He remains one of Finland's most popular national figures and is a symbol of the nation. Today, Finland has a very lively classical music scene. Finnish classical music has only existed for about a hundred years, and many of the important composers are still alive, such as [[Magnus Lindberg]], [[Kaija Saariaho]], [[Aulis Sallinen]] and [[Einojuhani Rautavaara]]. The composers are accompanied with a large number of great conductors such as [[Sakari Oramo]], [[Mikko Franck]], [[Esa-Pekka Salonen]], [[Osmo Vänskä]], [[Jukka-Pekka Saraste]], [[Susanna Mälkki]] and [[Leif Segerstam]]. Some of the internationally acclaimed Finnish classical musicians are [[Karita Mattila]], [[Soile Isokoski]], [[Kari Kriikku]], [[Pekka Kuusisto]], [[Réka Szilvay]] and [[Linda Brava]]. ===Popular music=== Modern Finnish popular music includes a renowned [[heavy metal music]] scene, in common with other [[Nordic music|Nordic countries]], as well as a number of prominent [[rock band]]s, [[jazz]] musicians, [[hip hop]] performers, and [[dance music]] acts such as [[Bomfunk MCs]] and [[Darude]]. Finnish [[electronic music]] such as the [[Sähkö Recordings]] record label enjoys underground acclaim. ''Iskelmä'' (coined directly from the German word ''[[Schlager]]'', meaning ''hit'') is a traditional Finnish word for a light popular song. Finnish popular music also includes various kinds of [[dance music]]; [[Tango music|tango]], a style of [[music of Argentina|Argentinean music]], is also popular. One of the most productive composers of popular music was [[Toivo Kärki]], and the most famous singer [[Olavi Virta]] (1915–1972). Among the lyricists, [[Sauvo Puhtila]] (born 1928), [[Reino Helismaa]] (died 1965) and [[Vexi Salmi|Veikko "Vexi" Salmi]] are the most remarkable authors. The composer and bandleader [[Jimi Tenor]] is well known for his brand of retro-funk music. ===Dance music=== Notable Finnish dance and electronic music artists include [[Jori Hulkkonen]], [[Darude]], [[JS16]], [[DJ Proteus]] and [[Orkidea|DJ Orkidea]]. ===Rock and heavy metal music=== [[Image:Rammstein and Apocalyptica.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Apocalyptica playing live with [[Rammstein]]]] Finnish rock-music scene emerged in 1960s with pioneers such as [[Blues Section]] and [[Kirka]]. In the 1970s Finnish rock musicians started to write their own music instead of translating international hits in Finnish. During the decade some [[progressive rock]] groups, such as [[Tasavallan Presidentti]] and [[Wigwam (progressive rock)|Wigwam]], gained respect abroad but failed to make commercial breakthrough outside Finland. This was also the fate of [[rock and roll]] group [[Hurriganes]]. Finnish punk scene produced some internationally respected names including [[Terveet Kädet]] in 1980s. [[Hanoi Rocks]] was a pioneering 1980s-[[glam rock]] act that left perhaps deeper mark in the history of popular music than any other Finnish group giving inspiration for [[Guns 'n' Roses]]. In 1990s Finnish rock and metal music started to get international fame with such bands as [[The 69 Eyes]], [[Amorphis]], [[Children of Bodom]], [[Ensiferum]], [[HIM (band)|HIM]], [[Impaled Nazarene]], [[Lordi]], [[Negative (band)|Negative]], [[Nightwish]], [[The Rasmus]], [[Sentenced (band)|Sentenced]], [[Sonata Arctica]], and [[Stratovarius]]. In the later 1990s the [[cello metal]] group [[Apocalyptica]] played [[Metallica]] [[cover version]]s as [[cello]] quartettos and sold half a million records worldwide. Some of the Finland's most domestically popular rock groups are [[CMX (band)|CMX]] and [[Eppu Normaali]]. In 2000s also Finnish rock bands started to sell well internationally. [[The Rasmus]] finally captured Europe (and other places, like South America) in 2000s. Their 2003 album ''[[Dead Letters]]'' sold 1.5 million units worldwide and garnered them eight gold and five platinum album [[Music recording sales certification|designations]]. But so far the most successful Finnish band in the United States is [[HIM (band)|HIM]]; they were the first band from Finland to ever sell an album that was certified gold by the RIAA. Most recently, the Finnish hard rock/heavy metal music band [[Lordi]] won the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2006|2006 Eurovision Song Contest]] with a record 292 points, giving Finland its first ever victory. Rock bands such as [[The 69 Eyes]] and [[Reflexion (band)|Reflexion]] enjoy cult following abroard despite of milder commercial success. [[Tuska Open Air Metal Festival]], one of the largest open-air heavy metal music festivals in the world, is held annually in [[Kaisaniemi]], [[Helsinki]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Tuska Open Air Metal Festival | url = http://www.tuska-festival.fi/ | accessdate = 2007-07-25 }}</ref> [[Ruisrock]] and [[Provinssirock]] are the most famous rock festivals held in Finland. ==Cinema== [[Image:Erkki Karu and Eino Kari, 1927.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Erkki Karu]], one of the pioneers of the [[Cinema of Finland|Finnish cinema]], with cinematographer Eino Kari in 1927.]] {{main|Cinema of Finland}} {{seealso|List of Finnish films}} Finland has a growing [[film industry]] with a number of famous directors such as [[Aki Kaurismäki]], [[Timo Koivusalo]], [[Aleksi Mäkelä]] and [[Klaus Härö]]. [[Hollywood]] film director/producer [[Renny Harlin]] (born Lauri Mauritz Harjola) was born in Finland. ==Media and communications== [[Image:Linus Torvalds.jpeg|thumb|left|upright|[[Linus Torvalds]], a famous Finnish [[Software engineering|software engineer]], best known for initiating the development of the [[Linux kernel|kernel]] of the [[Linux]] operating system.]] {{seealso|Communications in Finland|List of newspapers in Finland|List of Finnish television stations}} Finland is one of the most advanced information societies in the world. There are 200 [[newspaper]]s; 320 popular [[magazine]]s, 2,100 professional magazines and 67 commercial [[radio station]]s, with one nationwide, five national [[Public broadcasting|public service radio channels]] (three in Finnish, two in Swedish, one in Sami); [[digital radio]] has three channels. Four national [[analog television]] channels (two public service and two commercial) were fully replaced by five public service and three commercial [[digital television]] channels in September 1, 2007. Each year around twelve [[feature film]]s are made, 12,000 [[book]] titles published and 12 million records sold. 79 percent of the population use the [[Internet]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.fi/til/sutivi/2007/sutivi_2007_2007-09-28_tie_001_en.html | title=Internet used by 79 per cent of the population at the beginning of 2007 |work=Statistics Finland |accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=27113 | title=The Finnish Media: outlets increase, audiences diversify |work=Virtual Finland ([[Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland)|Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland]]) |accessdate=2007-01-22}}</ref> [[Finnish people|Finns]], along with other Nordic people and the [[Japanese people|Japanese]], spend the most time in the world reading newspapers. The most read newspaper in Finland is ''[[Helsingin Sanomat]]'', with a circulation of 434,000. The media group [[SanomaWSOY]] behind ''Helsingin Sanomat'' also publishes the [[tabloid]] ''[[Ilta-Sanomat]]'' and commerce-oriented ''Taloussanomat''. It also owns the [[Nelonen]] television channel. SanomaWSOY's largest shareholder is [[Aatos Erkko]] and his family. The other major publisher [[Alma Media]] publishes over thirty magazines, including newspaper ''[[Aamulehti]]'', tabloid ''[[Iltalehti]]'' and commerce-oriented ''Kauppalehti''. Finland has been at the top of the worldwide [[Freedom of the press|Press Freedom]] Ranking list every year since the publication of the first index by [[Reporters Without Borders]] in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=19388 |title=Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2006 |work=[[Reporters Without Borders]] |accessdate=2007-01-22}}</ref> Finland's National Broadcasting Company [[YLE]] is an independent state-owned company. It has five television channels and 13 radio channels in two national languages. YLE is funded through a [[television license]] and private television broadcasting license fees. Ongoing transformation to digital TV broadcasting is in progress &mdash; analog broadcasts ceased on the terrestrial network 31 August, 2007 and will cease on cable at the end of February 2008. The most popular television channel [[MTV3]] and the most popular radio channel [[Radio Nova (Finland)|Radio Nova]] are owned by Nordic Broadcasting ([[Bonnier]] and Proventus Industrier). The people of Finland are accustomed to technology and information services. The number of cellular phone subscribers as well as the number of Internet connections [[per capita]] in Finland are among the highest in the world. According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Finnish mobile phone penetration exceeded fifty percent of the population as far back as August 1998 – first in the world – and by December 1998 the number of cell phone subscriptions outnumbered fixed-line phone connections. By the end of June 2007 there were 5.78 million cellular phone subscriptions, or 109 percent of the population.<ref name="FICORA">{{cite web |url=http://www.ficora.fi/attachments/englanti/5ruZDB5VP/Files/CurrentFile/Market_review_2_2007.pdf |title=Market Review 2/2007 |work=Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) |date=[[2007-08-31]] |accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> Another fast-growing sector is the use of the [[Internet]]. Finland had more than 1.52 million [[Broadband Internet access|broadband]] Internet connections by the end of June 2007, i.e., about 287 per 1,000 inhabitants.<ref name="FICORA"/> The Finns are not only connected; they are heavy users of Internet services. All Finnish schools and public libraries have for years been connected to the Internet. ==Cuisine== [[Image:Karjalanpiirakka-20060227.jpg|thumb|right|[[Karelian pasties|Karjalanpiirakka]], a traditional Finnish pastry.]] {{main|Cuisine of Finland}} Traditional Finnish [[cuisine]] is a combination of European, [[Fennoscandia]]n and Western Russian elements; table manners are European. The food is generally simple, fresh and healthy. [[Fish]], [[meat]], [[Berry|berries]] and ground [[vegetable]]s are typical ingredients whereas [[spice]]s are not common due to their historical unavailability. In years past, Finnish food often varied from region to region, most notably between the west and east. In coastal and lakeside villages, fish was a main feature of cooking, whereas in the eastern and also northern regions, vegetables and game were more common. In Finnish Lapland, [[reindeer]] was also important. The prototypical breakfast is [[oatmeal]] or other continental-style foods such as [[bread]]. [[Lunch]] is usually a full warm meal, served by a [[Cafeteria|canteen]] at workplaces. [[Dinner]] is eaten at around 17.00 to 18.00 at home. Modern Finnish cuisine combines country fare and [[haute cuisine]] with contemporary continental [[cooking]] style. Today, spices are a prominent ingredient in many modern Finnish [[recipes]], having been adopted from the east and west in recent decades. ==Public holidays== {{main|Public holidays in Finland}} {{seealso|Flag days in Finland}} All official holidays in Finland are established by acts of [[Parliament of Finland|Parliament]]. The official holidays can be divided into [[Christianity|Christian]] and secular holidays, although some of the Christian holidays have replaced holidays of pagan origin. The main Christian holidays are [[Christmas]], [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]], [[Easter]], [[Ascension of Jesus Christ|Ascension Day]], [[Pentecost]], and [[All Saints|All Saints Day]]. The secular holidays are [[New Year's Day]], [[May Day]], [[Midsummer|Midsummer Day]], and the [[Independence Day of Finland|Independence Day]]. Christmas is the most extensively celebrated holiday: usually at least 23rd to 26th of December are holidays. In addition to this, all Sundays are official holidays, but they are not as important as the special holidays. The names of the Sundays follow the liturgical calendar and they can be categorised as Christian holidays. When the standard working week in Finland was reduced to 40 hours by an act of Parliament, it also meant that all Saturdays became a sort of de facto public holidays, though not official ones. Easter Sunday and Pentecost are Sundays that form part of a main holiday and they are preceded by a kind of special Saturdays. Retail stores are prohibited by law from doing business on Sundays, except during the summer months (May through August) and in the pre-Christmas season (November and December). Business locations that have less than 400 [[square metre]]s of floor space are allowed Sunday business throughout the year, with the exception of official holidays and certain Sundays, such as [[Mother's Day]] and [[Father's Day]]. ==Sports== [[Image:Paavo Nurmi (Antwerp 1920).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Paavo Nurmi]] at the [[1920 Summer Olympics]].]] {{main|Sport in Finland}} [[Image:Kimi Raikkonen won 2007 Brazil GP.jpg|thumb|left|275px|[[2007 Formula One season|2007]] [[Formula One]] [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|World Champion]] [[Kimi Räikkönen]] celebrating victory at the [[2007 Brazilian Grand Prix]].]] Various [[sport]]ing events are popular in Finland. [[Pesäpallo]] (reminiscent of [[baseball]]) is the national sport of Finland, although the most popular sports in Finland in terms of media coverage are [[Formula One]], [[ice hockey]] and [[football (soccer)|football]]. The [[Finnish national men's ice hockey team|Finnish national ice hockey team]] is considered one of the best in the world. During the past century there has been a rivalry in sporting between Finland and Sweden, mostly in ice hockey and athletics ([[Finland-Sweden athletics international]]). [[Jari Kurri]] and [[Teemu Selänne]] are the two Finnish-born ice hockey players to have scored 500 goals in their [[National Hockey League|NHL]] careers. Football (the game known in the USA as soccer) is also popular in Finland, though the [[Finland national football team|national football team]] has never qualified for a finals tournament of the [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] or the [[UEFA European Football Championship|European Championships]]. [[Jari Litmanen]] and [[Sami Hyypiä]] are the most internationally renowned of the Finnish football players. Relative to its population, Finland has been a top country in the world in [[Auto racing|automobile racing]], measured by international success. Finland has produced three [[Formula One]] [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|World Champions]] – [[Keke Rosberg]] ([[WilliamsF1|Williams]], [[1982 Formula One season|1982]]), [[Mika Häkkinen]] ([[McLaren]], [[1998 Formula One season|1998]] and [[1999 Formula One season|1999]]) and [[Kimi Räikkönen]] ([[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]], [[2007 Formula One season|2007]]). Along with Räikkönen, the other Finnish Formula One driver currently active is [[Heikki Kovalainen]] ([[McLaren]]). Rosberg's son, [[Nico Rosberg]] ([[WilliamsF1|Williams]]), is also currently driving, but under his mother's [[Germans|German]] nationality. Other notable Finnish Grand Prix drivers include [[Leo Kinnunen]], [[Jyrki Järvilehto|JJ Lehto]] and [[Mika Salo]]. Finland has also produced most of the world's best [[Rallying|rally]] drivers, including the ex-[[World Rally Championship|WRC]] [[List of World Rally Championship Drivers' Champions|World Champion]] drivers [[Marcus Grönholm]], [[Juha Kankkunen]], [[Hannu Mikkola]], [[Tommi Mäkinen]], [[Timo Salonen]] and [[Ari Vatanen]]. The only Finn to have won a [[road racing]] [[List of Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champions|World Championship]], [[Jarno Saarinen]], was killed in 1973 while racing. Among [[winter sport]]s, Finland has been the most successful country in [[ski jumping]], with former ski jumper [[Matti Nykänen]] being arguably the best ever in that sport. Most notably, he won five Olympic medals (four gold) and nine World Championships medals (five gold). Among currently active Finnish ski jumpers, [[Janne Ahonen]] has been the most successful. [[Kalle Palander]] is a well-known [[alpine skiing]] winner, who won the World Championship and Crystal Ball (twice, in [[Kitzbühel]]). [[Tanja Poutiainen]] has won an [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[silver medal]] for alpine skiing, as well as multiple FIS World Cup races. Some of the most outstanding athletes from the past include [[Hannes Kolehmainen]] (1890–1966), [[Paavo Nurmi]] (1897–1973) and [[Ville Ritola]] (1896–1982) who won eighteen [[Gold medal|gold]] and seven silver Olympic medals in the [[Sports timeline#1910s|1910s]] and [[Sports timeline#1920s|1920s]]. They are also considered to be the first of a generation of great Finnish [[Middle distance track event|middle]] and [[Long-distance track event|long-distance]] runners (and subsequently, other great [[List of Finns#Sportspersons|Finnish sportsmen]]) often named the "[[Flying Finn (athlete)|Flying Finns]]". Another long-distance runner, [[Lasse Virén]] (born 1949), won a total of four gold medals during the [[1972 Summer Olympics|1972]] and [[1976 Summer Olympics]]. Also, in the past, [[Riku Kiri]], [[Jouko Ahola]] and [[Janne Virtanen]] have been the greatest [[Strongman (strength athlete)|strength athletes]] in the country, participating in the [[World's Strongest Man]] competition between 1993 and 2000. The [[1952 Summer Olympics]], officially known as the ''Games of the XV Olympiad'', were held in 1952 in [[Helsinki]], Finland. Other notable sporting events held in Finland include the [[1983 World Championships in Athletics|1983]] and [[2005 World Championships in Athletics]], among others. Some of the most popular recreational sports and activities include [[floorball]], [[Nordic walking]], [[running]], [[cycling]] and [[skiing]]. ==Finnishness== *[[List of Finns]] *[[Suuret suomalaiset]] &ndash; a list of the "100 Greatest Finns" of all time as voted by the Finnish people in 2004. Below are listed some of the characteristics of Finnishness. The term "Finnishness" is often referred to as the national identity of the [[Finnish people]] and [[Culture of Finland|its culture]]. [[Image:Gallen Kallela The Aino Triptych.jpg|thumb|right|350px|A [[triptych]] by [[Akseli Gallen-Kallela]], depicting the ''[[Aino (mythology)|Aino Story]]'' of [[Kalevala]] on three panes.]] <div style="font-size: 95%"> :{| cellspacing=3 cellpadding=0 border=0 |- | [[Finnish Maiden]] |   a figure of [[national personification]] symbolising Finland |- | [[Kalevala]] |   the [[national epic]] of Finland, and [[Finnish mythology]] in general |- | [[Kantele]] |   traditional musical instrument |- | [[Mämmi]] |   traditional Easter food |- | [[Kalakukko]] |   traditional Savonian food |- | [[Mustamakkara]] |   traditional blood sausage from [[Tampere]] |- | [[Karelian pasties]] |   traditional pasties from the region of [[Karelia]] |- | [[Joulupukki]] |   Father Christmas/Santa Claus |- | [[Jean Sibelius]] |   one of the most popular national figures (composer of the symphonic poem [[Finlandia (symphonic poem)|Finlandia]]) |- | [[Sauna]] |   a Finnish national institution (see also [[Finnish sauna]]) |- | [[Sisu]] |   will, determination, perseverance, mental fortitude |- | [[Perkele]] |   swear word (see [[Finnish profanity]]) |- | [[Puukko]] |   traditional Finnish style woodcraft belt-knife |- | [[Talkoot]] |   community work |- | [[Ice swimming]] |   swimming in a body of water with a frozen crust of ice |- | [[Nordic walking]] |   a recreational sport first popularized in Finland |- | [[Salmiakki]] |   salty liquorice |- | [[Sahti]] |   traditional beer |- | [[Koskenkorva Viina|Koskenkorva]] |   Finnish vodka |- | [[Wiktionary:Transwiki:Reilu meininki|Reilu meininki]] |   fair dealing |- | [[Flying Finn (athlete)|Flying Finn]] |   a nickname given to notable Finnish sportsmen (originated with Olympic medalist [[Hannes Kolehmainen]]) |} </div> ==Notes and references== <div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> <references /></div> Hyssala, L. & Hyttinen, M. (1993, June). The Finnish Family Competence Study: The transition to fatherhood. ''The Journal of Genetic Psychology''. 154 (2), p199. Kyr, M. & Nyysol, K. (2006, March). Attitudes towards education in Finland and other Nordic Countries. ''European Journal of Education''. 41(1), p59-70. Leitner, A. & Wroblewski, A. (2006, June). WELFARE STATES AND WORK–LIFE BALANCE. ''European Societies''. 8(2), p295-317. Luuka, T. (2007, April). Finland invests in cultural exporting. ''Finnish Music Quarterly Magazine''. Neuvonen, M., Pouta, E., Seivanen, T.(2006, April). Recreational Wild Berry Picking in Finland—Reflection of a Rural Lifestyle. ''Society & Natural Resources'', 19(4), p285-304. http://www.histdoc.net/history/history.html http://uralica.com/earlyfin.htm http://www.ut.ee/Ural/wel.html http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=26074 http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=25001 http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=26185 Statistics Finland, updated 5/07 The World Book Encyclopedia (1990). ''Finland'' (Vol. 7) p 117. == See also == *[[Holidays in Finland]], [[Flag days in Finland]], [[Namesdays in Finland]] *[[Finnish literature]] *[[Finnish cuisine]] *[[List of Finns]] *[[Architecture of Finland]] {{Culture of Europe}} [[Category:Finnish culture| ]] [[es:Cultura de Finlandia]] [[fr:Culture finlandaise]] [[pt:Cultura da Finlândia]] [[ru:Культура Финляндии]]