Customs Reflections #1

Merriam-Webster’s definition of custom:
a : a usage or practice common to many or to a particular place or class or habitual with an individual
b : long-established practice considered as unwritten law
c : repeated practice
d : the whole body of usages, practices, or conventions that regulate social life

Image Source

After being in a new place for a while, you will start to notice the customs that exist. You do not have to travel to a new country to observe new conventions either. People from the same state or city may practice a tradition or routine differently depending on their backgrounds, values, beliefs, and cultures. I am fascinated by the norms in Finland. Many of the differences are subtle but play an important role in daily life, nonetheless. I am keeping note of the customs I observe and experience while in Finland.
This is part one of my “Customs Reflections” series.

Go Finland, It's Your Birthday
My first invitation to a house gathering was on New Year’s Eve for a birthday party. The guest of honor was a friend of my Fulbright Buddy, Anu. People were dressed nicely, but coats and ties were rare. The food was delicious! I have learned to pace myself when eating with Finns. There are often many courses beginning with soup. For the main plate, you will usually find salad with lots of veggies, various breads, spreads like hummus, and smoked salmon served hot and/or cold. After dinner, expect coffee and cake. You do not want to miss it. At this particular party, there were several performances in honor of the host. We heard a cello performance, a cappella singers, a clarinet and accordion duet, a folk song accompanied by a mandolin, and a poem reading. Before leaving, all attendees signed the guest book and included a personal note, poem, or proverb. What a wonderful way to remember special occasions.

The ladies in the video began singing together in the Tapiola Choir which was founded in 1963. The choir won BBC's "Let the Peoples Sing" competition in 1971. Today, the Tapiola Choir is led by Pasi Hyökki, a former member.

Your Coat Please
It is cold in Finland. It is cold for a long time. In the inland regions of southern and central Finland, the first snow falls at the beginning of December and melts during late March and April (Source—Visit Finland). Finns wear parkas and heavy coats for most of the year. Winter apparel is necessary but also cumbersome. Luckily in Finland, there are coat racks everywhere! You usually do not take your jacket to your seat; you hang it with everyone else’s on the rack. My very first day in Helsinki I attended a Baroque Concert at the Music Center. As I entered my seat’s section, the usher abruptly stopped me and pointed to the coat check. It is nice to rid yourself of your jacket at museums, schools, restaurants, and other meeting places. You feel freer without it. If you travel to Finland or other Nordic countries, make sure your coats have hanger loops on the inside collar. Coats without loops soon fall off the peg and may end up on the floor.

Here is a Tip—Don’t!
Finland is an expensive country. Helsinki even more so. According to Statistics Finland, “Finland is the 3rd most expensive country in the EU.” The first time I went to a restaurant for dinner, I was very surprised that the least expensive dish on the menu was for 16 euros, which is about $19.52 USD. And this was not for a rib-eye steak but chicken stir-fry. However, even though meals cost more in Finland than most U.S. restaurants, it is uncommon to tip in Finland. As a rule, service is included in restaurant bills. Not having to tip offsets the high food prices—slightly.

Image Source