| Finland 91 years
by elina on 7 December 2008 7:08am |
| |
http://www.yle.fi/news/id109555.html
Yesterday, December 6th, was Finland's Independence day. There are quite a few traditions. It is the day when we pay our respects to veterans. 90 years ago, 1918-1919, there was a civil war, leaving scars to our country. Yet our veterans and our nation managed to maintain our independence against USSR during the second world war.
Other tradition is to watch the film "The Unknown Soldier", based on Väinö Linna's book, which tells a story of soldiers in the second world war.
And third tradition, the highlight so to say, is the President's party. That is where Finnish elite celebrates, since we don't have aristocracy or royals. President shakes hands with everyone (about 2000 quests) and it culminates when the two previous presidents with their wives arrive; it is a rare occassion and it is difficult to say how long it will last.
Here is the picture of presidents and their wives and husband: http://yle.fi/linnanjuhlat/2008/index.php?p=presidentit
And here are other pictures from the party, where you can see the dresses and people we talk about today and tomorrow :)
http://www.yle.fi/linnanjuhlat/2008/ |
| |
| Re: Finland 91 years
by Lounge Trekker on 7 December 2008 7:23am |
| |
An exciting day in Finland, Elina. Thanks for telling us about one more day to be happy!
Pete |
| |
| Re: Finland 91 years
by tucsonmike on 7 December 2008 10:13am |
| |
| Happy Independence Day, Elina. |
| |
| Re: Finland 91 years
by peripatetically on 7 December 2008 12:30pm |
| |
Happy Independence Day, Elina. Those photos are lovely. Some mighty good looking Finns in there!!!! Gowns too! Many are stunning!
I really like the ceremony with the present and past presidents and wives. And they look splendid in all their garb!!!!
Thanks for sharing this.
Patty~ |
| |
| Re: Finland 91 years
by suzulu on 7 December 2008 4:01pm |
| |
| Happy Independence Day for yesterday, Elina! Thanks for showing us the photos. It is always nice to know the traditions and customs of different countries. |
| |
| Re: Finland 91 years
by mrsteabag on 7 December 2008 5:24pm |
| |
| Happy Independence Day a bit late. Hope you had a good day! |
| |
| Re: Finland 91 years
by geordiegirl on 7 December 2008 8:36pm |
| |
Sincerely, Happy Independence Day to Finland!
I have toured Manneringheim's (?Spelling) house in Helsinki, and learnt something of him.
A great hero for your country.
LOVELY about the President's Party! Did you go? |
| |
| Re: Finland 91 years
by elina on 8 December 2008 7:04am |
| |
Thank you, guys! I had a very peaceful day, I was at home and watched films and the President's party from Internet. And no, didn't go there, I'll probably never be invited, which is okay, I'm not a dress-party person :) This year women - celebrities and "unknown" - had really made an effort when it came to the dresses.
Linda, it's Mannerheim. He is a Finnish hero, which is interesting since he worked in Germany and Russia before came to Finland, and he was married to a Russian princess. Mannerheim was also the object of one of Finland's biggest news stories this year:
http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Katariina%2BLillqvist%2Bmakes%2Bpolitical%2Bart%2Bout%2Bof%2Bpuppet%2Banimations%2B/1135234727191 |
| |
| Re: Finland 91 years
by geordiegirl on 8 December 2008 6:45pm |
| |
Fas cinating article, Elina. It mirrors almost exactly what's been 'revealed' in England about General Lord Kitchener, a famous World War 1 general, who seems to have jhad the exact same relationship with HIS valet/manservant.
Lillquist should be left alone to make her points - goodness knows, Mannerheim was enough of a hero to take it. And it shouldn't be a big deal. And I'd have loved to see the puppetry - it must haver been very skilled.
Nowadays! 'Leaders Are Sometimes Gay' - shock horror? No. |
| |
