Connecting Filipinos in Finland
Image courtesy of Baptiste Valthier
When you hear about Finland, your mind might immediately wander to dreamy images of the Northern Lights, Santa Claus, or cozy saunas. But there’s so much more to this Nordic wonderland, especially its history, which takes center stage every year on December 6. That’s the day Finland celebrates its independence, a journey marked by resilience, determination, and national pride.
As Filipinos living in Finland—or even just fans of its culture—it’s worth exploring how this country earned its independence and what we can learn from it. And believe it or not, there’s a surprising connection between Finland’s story and our own.
Finland’s path to independence was anything but straightforward. For centuries, it was part of Sweden, adopting its language and culture. Then, in 1809, Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire. This gave Finns some freedoms, but as the years went by, Russia tried to tighten its control, which didn’t sit well with the fiercely independent Finns.
Things came to a head during the Russian Revolution of 1917, which shook the empire to its core. Sensing an opportunity, Finland declared its independence on December 6 of that year. It wasn’t smooth sailing after that—there was political unrest, a civil war, and growing pains as Finland found its footing as a young nation. But today, this small yet mighty country stands as a proud and prosperous symbol of freedom.
At first glance, the stories of Finland and the Philippines might seem worlds apart. After all, one is nestled in the chilly north while the other basks in the tropical sun. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some striking similarities.
Both nations fought long and hard for their independence, often against powerful colonizers. Finland had Sweden and Russia to contend with, while we Filipinos faced over 300 years of Spanish rule, followed by a period under the United States and Japanese occupation. In both cases, the road to freedom wasn’t just about battles or treaties—it was about preserving identity. The Finns clung to their language, traditions, and culture, just as we Filipinos did, despite the odds stacked against us.
There’s also the undeniable national pride that shines through in both countries. Finland’s national anthem, Maamme ("Our Land"), is a stirring ode to its beautiful landscapes and resilient people, much like our own Lupang Hinirang. And while our independence days—June 12 for us and December 6 for Finns—are celebrated in unique ways, they both serve as a testament to the sacrifices made by our ancestors.
Living in Finland gives us a front-row seat to the ways this country has built a strong and independent identity. One thing that stands out is Finland’s commitment to education. After gaining independence, the Finns made a conscious decision to invest in free, high-quality education for everyone, and it’s paid off. Today, Finland is known for having one of the best education systems in the world, a legacy that continues to shape its success.
Another thing we can admire is the Finnish respect for simplicity and sustainability. From minimalist design to eco-friendly living, the Finns show us that less is often more. And in a world grappling with climate change, it’s a lesson worth embracing.
Most of all, Finland’s Independence Day teaches us that celebrations don’t always have to be loud or extravagant. On December 6, the Finns light candles in their windows, reflect on their history, and honor the sacrifices of those who came before them. It’s a quieter but deeply meaningful way to celebrate, and it reminds us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy.
As more Filipinos make Finland their home, there’s a growing bond between our two cultures. Filipinos are naturally warm and social, which is a nice contrast to the famously reserved Finns. But underneath the surface, both cultures value community, hard work, and family.
It’s also fun to see how our traditions start to mingle. Imagine a Finnish dinner party with a hint of Filipino flavor—perhaps adobo served alongside Finland’s creamy salmon soup or our pandesal paired with Finnish rye bread. These little cultural crossovers remind us that no matter where we come from, food, laughter, and shared stories bring us together.
For Filipinos in Finland, Finnish Independence Day is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the country you now call home. You could start by trying your hand at a Finnish recipe, like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties) or baking some festive piparkakku (gingerbread cookies). You might also join the tradition of lighting two candles in your window, a simple yet beautiful gesture that symbolizes peace and freedom.
And while you’re at it, why not take a moment to reflect on our own independence back home? Think about the heroes who fought for our freedom and how their sacrifices paved the way for the life we enjoy today. Whether you’re raising a glass of Finnish glögi or Filipino buko juice, let’s toast to the shared spirit of independence that unites us all.
At its heart, Finland’s Independence Day is a celebration of resilience, freedom, and hope—values that resonate deeply with us Filipinos. By learning from their story and celebrating alongside them, we not only deepen our connection to this beautiful country but also gain a greater appreciation for our own history.
So, this December 6, let’s join the Finns in honoring their journey while proudly carrying our Filipino spirit. After all, independence is universal—and so is the joy of sharing it. Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää! (Happy Independence Day!)
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