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A brief look into Finnish customs and manners

Finns are said to be relatively quiet and shy, but also straightforward and honest. Visitors who take the initiative will soon overcome the first difficulties in becoming acquainted. Indeed, when the”ice is broken”, you will experience the unpretentious sincere hospitality that characterises the Finns. The four distinct seasons mould the Finnish character. Life, in general, is much more relaxed in the summer than in the winter.

Gender

Relations between the sexes in Finland are governed by the principle of equality, which is reflected in the high proportion of women in politics and other public roles. Women are usually independent in matters related to money and may offer to pay their share of the restaurant bill, for instance. A man may politely refuse such an offer but it is equally polite to accept it.

Talking

The conception of Finns being a reserved people dates back quite a long way and is no longer totally valid, at least not for the younger generation. Still it is fair to say that Finns have a special attitude to words and speaking: words are taken seriously and one should stick to what has been said. Because of this, a Finn usually carefully considers what he says and expects everyone else to do so too. A Finn is better at listening than speaking and he considers it to be impolite to interrupt. A Finn is not upset by pauses in the conversation because silence is a form of communication for the Finns.

Punctuality

The Finns are punctual and expect you to be as well, both at work and social life. A major exception is the”academic quarter” – in other words, usually, the classes begin quarter an hour past the hour.

Mobile Phones

The increasing use of mobile phones is revolutionizing the image of Finnish communication skills. Mobile phones have given rise to a sort of etiquette regarding their use so as to minimise disturbance and danger. Using a mobile phone is prohibited on planes and in hospitals; barbaric at a concert, at the theatre or in church; and inappropriate at meetings and in the classroom. The invasion of the mobile phone has undoubtedly changed foreigners’ perception of Finland.

Names and Titles

When introducing himself, a Finn states first his first name and then his surname. Although Finns are very particular about their titles, qualifications and job descriptions, they rarely mention these when introducing themselves. Foreigners can safely address Finns using the English practise of Mr/ Mrs/Miss/Sir/Madame or any equivalent. Finns habitually use the familiar mode of address, not just to friends and acquaintances but also to total strangers. It is relatively easy to get onto first-name terms with a Finn these days, especially if it is evident that the parties will continue to meet regularly for business or pleasure.

Greeting

When greeting it is customary to shake hands and make eye contact. Embracing when greeting is rare in Finland. Finns kiss each other just like any other peoples, but rarely when greeting. Hand kissing is unusual, though many women consider it a charming custom. Kisses on the cheek are common between friends and acquaintances.

Wait for your turn…

Whenever people have to wait, they usually stand in line. Do not try to go in front of the people that are queuing. In banks and post offices you will find a system of queuing tickets in use.

Smoking

Smoking has decreased in recent years, and attitudes towards it have become more negative. There is a law that forbids smoking in public places unless there is a very well defined smoking area. This goes for all university and polytechnic premises too.

Tipping

Tipping is not a part of the Finnish culture. No service providers, such as hairdressers, beauticians or taxi drivers etc. expect you to leave a tip. In restaurants you don’t have to leave a tip unless you want to.

Visiting

A foreign visitor does not need to have any uncertainties about being invited into someone’s home; he can expect a fairly relaxed and informal atmosphere, and bringing a bunch of flowers or a bottle of wine for the hosts is a good idea. A culturally slightly greater challenge is accepting an invitation to one of the innumerable summer cottages that dot the seashores and lakeshores of Finland. A guest is expected to dress casually and practically when going to a summer cottage. The best reward for the host is that the guest enjoys himself.

Sisu and Sauna

Sisu is a concept used to describe a certain feature that is considered by Finns to be typically Finnish. Sisu is what makes a Finn grit his teeth against all odds; go on to win a race even after falling over. Sisu is”what it takes”: guts, determination.
A nation with 1,5 million saunas has no need for etiquette for the sauna, since practically everyone grows up with it, and bathing in the sauna comes as naturally as speaking. Because of its naturalness, the Finnish way of sauna bathing comes in many forms – no Finn could ever say to another person about sauna bathing that ”you are doing it wrong”.
This is a good principle for the guest, too: one should listen to one’s own body and follow one’s own rhythm in moving between the steam room, the showers, the outside air and perhaps the lake or the sea or even snow. The sauna is a place without hurry. It is customary to continue the evening with conversation, drinks and sometimes a light meal.

Getting friends

Like mentioned above, Finns can be a bit difficult to get to know at first. Our advice to our international students is to be active, just start talking with the Finnish students, and you will be surprised how good friends you can get really fast. It is common in the Finnish nature that we are shy to open a conversation, especially in English even though we know the language. So be active, start talking and join organizations and activities. You will make a lot of Finnish friends at the end!