Finnish people believe that Father Christmas (Santa Claus) lives in the north part of Finland called Korvatunturi, north of the Arctic Circle. People from all over the world send letters to Santa Claus in Finland.There is a even big tourist theme park called 'Christmas Land' in the north of Finland, near to where they say that Father Christmas lives.
Everyone cleans their houses ready for the three holy days of Christmas - Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Christmas Eve is very special, when people eat rice porridge and a sweet soup made from dried fruits (plums, raisins, apples, pears, apricots and figs). It´s eaten in the morning or at lunchtime. They will then decorate a spruce tree in the home. At mid-day, the 'Christmas peace declaration' is broadcast on radio and TV from the Finnish city of Turku by its Mayor. They will have their traditional Christmas dinner at the evening. The meal includes 'casseroles' containing liver, rutabaga, carrot and potato, with cooked ham or turkey. Food traditions during the Christmas period depend on which part of Finland people live.
Everyone cleans their houses ready for the three holy days of Christmas - Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Christmas Eve is very special, when people eat rice porridge and a sweet soup made from dried fruits (plums, raisins, apples, pears, apricots and figs). It´s eaten in the morning or at lunchtime. They will then decorate a spruce tree in the home. At mid-day, the 'Christmas peace declaration' is broadcast on radio and TV from the Finnish city of Turku by its Mayor. They will have their traditional Christmas dinner at the evening. The meal includes 'casseroles' containing liver, rutabaga, carrot and potato, with cooked ham or turkey. Food traditions during the Christmas period depend on which part of Finland people live.
On Christmas eve, many go to church on the afternoon or late afternoon - this is a new tradition. Many people will attend church early. Graveyards are very beautiful places on the Christmas eve since there are lot of soft white snow and lights from candles that people bring to the graves for loved ones. If relatives are buried in other graveyards, there are places in graveyard you can lit your candle to remember them. Sauna is part of the celebration, too. After the festive dinner comes Santa Claus. Presents that are put under the Christmas tree are opened. In some families where there are no small kids, the presents are not put under the tree but collected into big sacks, which will then put at the front door.
Christmas Day services in the churches begin at six in the morning. It is a day for family visits and reunions. In some parts of the country the Star Boys tour the countryside singing Christmas songs. During all these days the people keep wishing each other a "Merry Yule."
Christmas Day services in the churches begin at six in the morning. It is a day for family visits and reunions. In some parts of the country the Star Boys tour the countryside singing Christmas songs. During all these days the people keep wishing each other a "Merry Yule."
No comments:
Post a Comment