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User:Micropot/National Symbols of Finland

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The national symbols of Finland are flags, icons or cultural expressions that are emblematic, representative or otherwise characteristic of Finland or Finnish culture.

Flags

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The national flag of Finland is a blue Nordic cross on a white background with this design having been used since 1920. The national flag is only allowed to be flown on specific days by law with a majority using household pennants as an alternative.
The State Flag of Finland as used by the Government of Finland.
The Naval Ensign of Finland.
The Presidential Standard of Finland, the personal flag of the President of Finland.
Finland has numerous household pennants representing specific regions of Finland or as left the flag of Finland.

Heraldry

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The Coat of Arms of Finland is a coat of arms symbolising Finland throughout its history from Swedish times to modern independent Finland. The blazon, or technical description, is Gules, a crowned lion rampant Or striking a sword Argent on armoured dexter arm, trampling on a sabre Argent; surmounted by nine roses Argent.
Finland has a strong heraldic tradition tracing back to the arrival of the Swedes in the 13th century. The coat of arms of the Finnish capital Helsinki, seen on the left, is an example of Finnish heraldry.

Anthem

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Maamme Maamme, the national anthem of Finland was composed by the German immigrant Fredrik Pacius and the original Swedish lyrics were based upon the poem Vart land by Johan Ludvig Runeberg, written in 1846, with the Finnish version being a translation by Julius Krohn in 1867.

Cultural

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May Day is a public holiday that is the only carnival-style street festivity in the country. People young and old, particularly students, party outside, picnic and wear caps or other decorative clothing.
Juhannus is a traditional public holiday Finland with most Finns abandoning the cities in favor of their summer houses on the lake/seaside.
Finnish Independence Day is a national public holiday held on 6 December to celebrate Finland's declaration of independence from the Russian Empire.
Saunas are an important part of Finnish culture.
Summer houses are prevalent throughout Finland with most Finns dreaming of a summer house by a lake or the sea.

Flora and fauna

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The Lion is also used as a heraldic symbol of Finland as seen in the Coat of Arms of Finland.
The Brown Bear is the national animal of Finland.
The Whooper Swan is the national bird of Finland.
The European Perch is the national fish of Finland.
The Ladybird is also a national animal of Finland.
The Lily of the Valley is the national flower of Finland.
The White rose is also considered a symbol of Finland as seen by the nine white roses found in the background of the Coat of Arms of Finland.
The Silver birch is the national tree of Finland.

Food and drink

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Fazer is a popular brand of confectionery within Finland.
Hernekeitto is a traditional dish served on Thursday with a dessert pancake.
Joulupöytä is the name of the traditional assortment of foods served at Christmas in Finland, similar to the Swedish smörgåsbord.
Karelian pasties are traditional pasties from the region of Karelia which today they are eaten throughout Finland.
Koskenkorva is the most common clear spirit drink (38%) in Finland.
Mämmi is a traditional Finnish Easter dessert.

People

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Henry of Uppsala is patron saint of Finland.
The Finnish Maiden is the national personification of Finland.
Elias Lönnrot is the authour of Finland's national epic, Kalevala.
Johan Ludvig Runeberg is the national poet of Finland.
Mikael Agricola is the father of the Finnish written language.

References

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