Finland is famous for its marvelous corners of nature and crystal clear air. And also the famous three "S": saunas, Sibelius Jan (famous composer), sisu. Finns are very restrained people, they do not like the open expression of emotions, and therefore even the greeting of a close friend looks a little solemn.
Etiquette
The concept of sisu is multifaceted and reflects all the main valuable qualities inherent in most of the inhabitants of Finland: modesty, reliability, honesty, responsibility. Finns are reserved and friendly at the same time. They greet each other as many times as they meet in a day, even with strangers. Which leaves Russian tourists perplexed. And the Finns, in turn, are perplexed why the Russians do not greet the seller when they enter the store.
For Finns, greeting each other has long been almost a ritual act. In the morning they say:
“Huomenta” is an abbreviated form of the dictionary form “Hyvää huomenta”, “good morning”.
During the day it sounds like - "Päivää" - "good afternoon."
In the evening - "Iltaa" - "good evening".
Despite their conservatism, Finns avoid long greetings, preferring short “Hei” - “hello”, “Terve” - “hello”. And young people do prefer the Swedish freer version - "Moro", which makes the older generation slightly frown.
Pillars of culture
Finns have an emphasis on gender equality in everything. So when meeting or meeting, women, on an equal basis with men, shake hands. Russian guys are slightly embarrassed by this. In addition, the Finns sharply reject the courtship and courtesies accepted in Russia, believing that this infringes upon their dignity, dropping them one step lower. In men, they value politeness, not generosity. If someone gives up a place in transport to a woman or an elderly person, it will quite pass for an insult to the person. It is not customary for them to expose their feelings to the show, although close friends can afford a light kiss. Hugs are not acceptable.
The Finns are quite welcoming hosts, but this does not allow them to come to visit without an invitation. This event is negotiated about two weeks in advance, so that the host has time to properly prepare, think over everything to the smallest detail, from treats to entertaining guests. Finns have to listen, they like to think for a long time, speak slowly, looking into the eyes of the interlocutor, take long pauses, and know everything in advance. They do not like non-punctual partners, loud conversations, bragging, titles and familiarity, ambiguous words and hints.
Emotional restraint does not prevent them from regularly organizing all kinds of festivals of various musical trends. Finnish universities that provide international education are willing to accept foreign students.
Finns are careful to make contact, but it is difficult to imagine a more reliable and devoted friend than a Finn.
