Independence Day of Finland
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Finland's Independence Day (Finnish itsenäisyyspäivä, Swedish självständighetsdag) is a national public holiday held on December 6 to celebrate Finland's declaration of independence from the Russian empire. The festivities usually commence with the raising of the flag on Tähtitorni hill, in Helsinki. There is usually also a religious service at the Helsinki Cathedral, followed, in the evening, by a gala reception for approximately 2000 invited guests at the Presidential Palace. This event is broadcast on TV, and while it glues many Finns to the TV set, the reception invariably attracts the attentions of demonstrators, supportive of various causes.
The Finnish Defence Forces arrange a parade in one or other of the garrison cities. In 2006, the parade was in Jyväskylä.
It is traditional for Finnish families to light two candles in the windows of their home in the evening, Historically these two candles were used as a sign to inform Finnish Jäger troops that the house was ready to offer shelter and keep them hidden from the Russians.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Gunwriters. P. T. Kekkonen. Retrieved on 2006-05-12.
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