FINLAND | Socializing | Culture
Mentality & Communication
Finns may at first be introvert and quiet, but after all they are very friendly, helpful, and honest. Finns are known for their punctuality, obedience to law and their honesty. They obey to traffic regulations, pedestrians wait for green traffic light before crossing the roads, and they will be on time in appointments. Finns do not complain about services and they wait their for turn when queing. The Finn is trustworthy, modest and does not like loud and insistent boasting about someone´s success. Anyways, most Finns are relaxed without any snobbery.
In Finland, gender equality is highly valued. Discrimination based on sex or race is illegal and chauvinistic or patronizing comments towards women are not acceptable. Equality is seen in practice for example in situations where women pay their share in restaurants, they do not expect men to pay for drinks and meals.
Finns are not good in so called “small talk”. They usually talk slowly and take pauses in their sentences, as the words hold most of the power in communication. It is often mentioned that Finns are better listeners than speakers. Interrupting someone’s sentence is very rude and impolite. Good topics for conversation are mutual hobbies and sports. When you have gotten to know your Finnish friend better, he/she e is willing to talk even about the religion and politics with you.
When you greet a Finn, make eye contact and shake hands. The hand shaking is brief but firm. Long-time friends and acquaintances may hug each other, but kissing is not a cultural manner in Finland.
Finnish humour is often based on practical jokes and is very down to earth. In Finland, there are plenty of “funny” races, like carrying the wife on one's shoulders, throwing mobile phones or rubber shoes.
Invitations
When you go to visit a Finnish home, bring some flowers or a bottle of wine and candies for children. You may dress casually. The host will ask you to sit down for dinner, then you wait until everyone has been served. The host may say “hyvää ruokahalua”, ("Enjoy your meal"), and then you can start eating. If you have been invited to a summer cabin, you may dress even more casually. Help the hostess with little chores. Do not complain about possible primitive conditions like missing electricity, running water, flushing toilet, etc. Mind to take off your shoes at someone else's home.
You may politely turn down an invitation to a sauna, but it is highly recommended that you try that very Finnish custom. You need to get used to the fact that Finns do not wear swimsuits in saunas. Afterwards, they usually jump into a nearby lake for cooling down and escaping the heat.
Going out to Eat or Drink
Finns are often, unfortunately, heavy drinkers, but remember that you can always say no to alcohol. You will be served non-alcoholic drinks in restaurants and visits. 'Binge-drinking' is an unfortunate way of drinking in Finland that causes a lot of problems in society and in families.
Local Customs
The most important celebrations and festivals in Finland are New Year, Easter, Labour Day, Mid Summer, Independence Day, and Christmas. Every festival has it’s own character and menu.
Typical Local Recipe
