5 Finnish Culture
This chapter is certainly not comprehensive, but here are a few resources to learn more about Finnish culture . . .
If you have not seen it yet, read Finns in Minnesota by Arnold R. Alanen. It is a quick read at 112 pages and it has lots of fun pictures. I especially liked all the Finnish terms and phrases included. Of course Sisu, we all seem to have that. How about “Oma tupa, oma lupa,” which he translated as “one’s home, one’s way.” (Which differs slightly from Edgar’s translation of “One’s own cabin, one’s own freedom” in Finnish Proverbs in Minnesota.) And who doesn’t love a good sauna.
Also check out The Finnish Cookbook by Beatrice Ojakangas. She remembered yummy food from her Finnish grandparents and she lived in Finland for a year. Her cookbook came out in 1964 and it is more than just recipes. She has an introduction including personality, language and a bit of history. The recipes are put into historical and cultural context and adapted to the American kitchen. Both Finnish and English names appear. There is a lot of emphasis on items for the coffee table! Hmmm, I have got to get my hands on some sour rye bread!
Mämmi is a traditional Finnish porridge or pudding that looks interesting.
Independence Day is December 6 and an important holiday.
Bobby Aro was a singer who had Finnish heritage – listen to one of his songs here.
Here is a song in Finnish: Loituma – “Ievan Polkka” (Eva’s Polka) 1996.
And a bit of art . . .
