Flag Finland :

The flag of Finland, called siniristilippu (the flag at the Blue Cross), dates from 1918 and is based on the model of the flag of Denmark. It represents the blue Scandinavian cross on a white background.

Blue represents lakes and sky while white symbolizes the snow and the white nights of the Finnish summer.

Salutations :

The most common form of greeting in Finland is to shake hands. Close friends and family members can also greet by taking in her arms. A kiss is not usual.

Discussion and interaction :

The Finns do not talk easily with people they do not know. This is why the Finns may seem quiet and unamiable.

Food and drinks :

Finnish cuisine is typical large part of Europe. It includes meat, fish, potatoes, rice or pasta. It is customary to eat two hot meals during the day: lunch and dinner. In Finland, adults also drink milk with their meals.

We drink a lot of coffee in Finland. For example, at parties, it is almost always coffee. During working meetings, we often drink coffee.

Alcoholic drinks are quite expensive in Finland and their sale is prohibited to minors. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and this is severely punished.

Sauna :

The sauna is an important part of Finnish culture. The sauna is for get washed and relaxing. Many Finns go to the sauna every week. We go to the sauna as well with family members, friends, the colleagues. Women and men go to the sauna separately. It usually goes naked in the sauna.

Being invited to a Finnish family :

The Finns do not wear shoes in the interior spaces. It is polite to remove your shoes when you enter someone's home. If you visit a Finnish home, remove your shoes or ask if you can keep your shoes.

Large celebrations in Finland :

The Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä) is a national holiday commemorating the country's independence December 6, 1917.

In Finland Vappu is one of the biggest holidays of the year. The celebration begins on 30 April in the evening and is an opportunity for wide consumption of sparkling wine and various alcohols. From the late nineteenth century, this traditional festival of the affluent has become that of students going to university who have received their caps. The traditions include the consumption of a fermented beverage (sima), whose alcohol content can vary. The festivities also include a picnic on May 1, in public parks of major cities.