There are more than 200 countries in the world. Each of them has its own laws, orders, culture, and customs. Not everyone will be lucky enough to travel around them. But just to find out some unusual facts about the territories of interest is quite possible. Finland is a beautiful small state. The unique natural beauty amazes tourists. The sights and architecture of this country are excellent. Sparkling fountains, the purest reservoirs leave an unforgettable experience. It is best to visit this country at the end of spring - the first greens appear, the earth wakes up from hibernation, birds singing is heard everywhere. Not everyone knows what holidays in May in Finland. The customs and red days of the calendar in this country are almost the same as in Russia.
Nearest neighbors
Finland is very popular among tourists. Many people come here for shopping, someone wants to relax quietly with their family. Inexpensive goods and clothes sold in this country attract Russians. Residents of St. Petersburg are especially active in Finland, as they are just a stone's throw from the nearest neighbors. Many of them cheer for the Finnish football club, listen to their popular performers. If you want to change the situation, but long flights are very tiring, welcome to Finland!
Red days of the calendar
As in any other country, in Finland there are many official, folk, professional, religious holidays. Holidays in May in Finland are celebrated cheerfully and on a grand scale. Concerts in the squares, picnics, walks until the morning. National color will appeal to any tourist. Although the list of national dishes is not too large, the food is very tasty and healthy. Therefore, you can spend the May holidays in this country with pleasure.
May 1
The first day of May is a holiday of labor. Students celebrate this day especially noisily . They call him Wappu - this is the name of the Catholic Holy Virgin. Walpurgis Memorial Day falls on May 1st. There is no crowding on the trading floors and markets - a fun fair begins. They sell everything there: souvenirs, products, homemade cakes, wines, beer, honey. Festivities are very fun and loud. Former and real students wear white caps, carnival masks, and elegant clothes over their heads. All these actions take place the day before, that is, April 30th. Holidays in May in Finland overlap one another. Labor Day and graduation of universities coincide. Therefore, the fun begins in the evening on the last day of April.
Hawis amanda
A very interesting tradition exists in this country. A beautiful fountain is installed on the square in Helsinki, headed by its bronze girl Havis Amanda. A slender, graceful body attracts millions of looks. Indigenous people call it affectionately - Manta. In the evening, all graduates gather near this sea nymph.
May 1 in Finland is a significant holiday, so early in the morning in the central park the state flag is hoisted. Rested after yesterday's festivities, residents begin to gather there for picnics. Those who do not like outdoor trips book tables in cafes and restaurants. Every self-respecting person should try this evening a national dish - brushwood with honey.
May 1 in Finland - a holiday and an official day off. Everyone is having fun, walking and visiting.
Favorite word is mom
Mother's Day is a wonderful holiday. The second Sunday of May, all mothers in Finland have a rest and accept congratulations. This festive day has been celebrated in the country since 1918. Moms receive gifts that cause tears in their eyes. Postcards, toys made by the hands of children. In educational institutions, concerts, tea parties in honor of beloved mothers are held. Children prepare the program in advance: dancing, songs, pleasant congratulatory words, home-made gifts.
Awards
Holidays in May in Finland are all good. But Mother's Day is especially beloved by the inhabitants. The President personally presents honored mothers with awards. The Order of the White Rose, established in 1919, is given to mothers with many children and those who raise orphans. Women receive a sea of beautiful bouquets, warm words and smiles.
In Helsinki there is a beautiful monument "Mother is a Worker." It was installed for the holiday in 1996. Since that time, people have laid flowers at the monument on this memorable day and pray for the health of their mothers.
Since 1947, the state flag has been raised in the capital on this day. The holiday is considered home, but concerts and performances are held in city squares. Many book tables in restaurants, boat trips, trips to nature. Adults always visit their parents, bring flowers, gifts, cakes. Holidays in May in Finland are very funny and filled with positive emotions.
Holy Thursday
May 9 in Finland - Ascension Day. They call him Helatorstay. The most significant religious holidays in this country are declared official holidays. People visit holy places, temples, cathedrals. This holiday is celebrated on the fortieth day after Easter in memory of the ascension of Jesus Christ. Each year there are different dates. On May 14, 2015, the holiday in Finland is Ascension. It was on this day that Jesus' ministry on earth ended. The Savior of mankind entered the heavenly gates of his Father.
Our ancestors burned bonfires that day, sang songs and asked the Lord to send a good harvest. In the evening, huge fires were lit everywhere and called for good weather, drove away evil spirits. Now these customs have sunk into oblivion, people gather at liturgies, then they dine with their families.
Residents of Finland are very kind to this bright day. They believe that if you do a lot of good deeds on this day, everything will return doubly. This is an ancient tradition of the country, people have been observing it for many years. Holidays in May in Finland are usually celebrated noisy and fun. But on May Thursday, the streets are quiet, calm and deserted. Holotorstay is a quiet, family holiday. On this day, it is customary to visit relatives, especially the elderly, to conduct soulful conversations over a cup of tea. In 2015, Ascension falls on May 14, the holiday in Finland will be as quiet and family as in any other year.
Time stops
According to legend, on this bright holiday nature slows down, even the grass grows more slowly. Shopping and entertainment on this day do not work, transport runs on a special schedule. In cities and villages of Finland calm and quiet. But the next day, a huge number of marriages are registered, mass ordinances of Baptism are performed. This is what May 14th holiday in Finland is unusual and touching.
Each country has its own customs and manner of celebrating holidays. For some, they will seem strange and absurd. In Russia and Finland there are many similar holidays. Some citizens of our country go to this country for colorful festivities. Winter red days of the calendar there are also celebrated on a grand scale. And in the warm season there is something to see, the nature of this country is amazing! Here, what holidays in May in Finland are interesting and funny.
Wherever you live, do not forget to have fun and celebrate significant days. After all, gray workdays are tiring. Soul and body necessarily need at least a little rest. Children are especially impressed by the holidays. Give them smiles, fun and good memories.