The country behind the product - Finland
In this new series of blog posts, we explore the culture, philosophy, fun facts, or other striking aspects of the countries our beloved products come from. This way, you will discover typically Finnish products and the country behind them. Today, we travel to Finland and take a deep dive into Finnish culture!
Our northern neighbors
Officially named the “Republic of Finland,” the country has a total of 5,571,665 inhabitants, averaging just 16.5 people per square kilometer. Most of the population lives in cities in the southern part of the country. The capital of Finland is Helsinki, located on the southern coast, which takes the lead with 664,028 inhabitants. The northern part of the country is very sparsely populated, mainly due to the cold and the length of the polar night (also known as the Kaamos). During the Kaamos, the sun does not rise for a day to several days in the southern part of Finland, but in the north, this can last up to two months.
Is Finland expensive?
The country is part of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency. Despite the Scandinavian countries having the image of being expensive, Finland is the cheaper of the three. Certain products like meat, fish, and alcohol are more expensive than in the Netherlands due to high taxes on these items. Pro tip: if you are looking for cheap and sustainable fish, Finland, known as the land of lakes with its 168,000 lakes, offers the option to catch them yourself in some places.
The happiest country in the world
Even after the COVID-19 crisis, Finland takes the lead for the sixth year in a row. According to The World Happiness Report, the country is once again the happiest in the world. Approximately 90% of Finnish respondents indicate that their life is in balance. There is a great degree of social security and a sense of freedom and equality that prevails among the Finns. Looking at a smaller scale, things like the sauna and living close to nature are inseparable from Finnish life. Both are believed to have a positive effect on physical and mental health. It is not without reason that typically Finnish products, such as sustainable sanitary pads from Vuokkoset, are made of natural materials.
Besides hygge, also sisu!
The Danish word "hygge," which can be freely translated as “experiencing a pleasant and warm atmosphere,” has become an essential part of our vocabulary. The word has no exact translation and offers a glimpse into what is important in Danish culture. Finland has its own word in this category: “Sisu” (pronounced as see-soo). This word can be described as an inner strength, the resilience that arises when you think you’ve reached your limit; a mindset focused on willpower and taking action. It is not something you say you have, but something you demonstrate through your actions. To perhaps, if we may add a loose translation, be your own light during the Kaamos.
Working on your sisu - 3 tips for resilience
Do you also want to experience the power of sisu in your life? Here are three practical tips you can implement immediately to integrate this unique Finnish concept of resilience and perseverance into your daily routine:
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Start the day with a cold shower:
Physically and mentally sharpen yourself by starting your day with a cold shower. Experience how this simple habit teaches you to deal with unexpected challenges and increases your resilience. -
Keep a 'Resilience Journal':
It is just like a Gratitude Journal, but a 'Resilience Journal' focuses on moments when you were stronger than you thought. Note down the times you persevered despite setbacks or how you found the strength to carry on after bad news. These moments of personal victory are a constant reminder of your inner sisu. Open the journal whenever you need a reminder of your sisu! -
Seek support and inspiration from others:
We are social beings, after all, and the power of sisu is often found in community. Connect with friends, family, or like-minded people to support each other and remember the inner strength we all possess. Sisu is not just an individual experience; it is also nourished by the power of our community.
Remember that sisu is in every one of us; sometimes we just need a small reminder or a helping hand to let it flourish.
Typically Finnish candy
Salmiakki (source: Wikipedia)
Besides having infinitely much to offer culturally, such as a vibrant heavy metal music scene, the Air Guitar World Championships, and reindeer racing, the country also has an extensive range of typically Finnish products. Think of the famous salty candies, Salmiakki, a type of liquorice that is used in everything. There is Salmiakki-flavored ice cream, spirits, and chocolate; you name it, there is a Salmiakki variant. Or consider Moomin, the cute Scandinavian trolls that resemble a sweet hippo, the creation of Finnish author Tove Jansson. The books, a plush toy, or other merchandise can serve as a nice souvenir.
Typically Finnish products - 2x sustainable brands from Finland
At Grace is Green, we have two great brands from Finland. The first is Muumi, based on the Moomin characters. They make a truly sustainable diaper that is also gentle on the skin. This Finnish family business has over 40 years of experience in producing eco-friendly baby products and diapers. Made from raw materials, without the addition of lotions or other chemicals, these eco-diapers are a conscious choice. The management and employees are parents themselves; in their own words, their customers are the youngest inhabitants of our earth, so you had better think long-term. Naturally, the Moomin Eco Diapers are also certified with the best eco-labels, such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the Finnish Allergy, Skin and Asthma label. This ensures that you can be certain these diapers are a truly sustainable choice.
Curious about our favorite typically Finnish products?
Take a look at our Moomin range, with diapers and diaper pants in a wide range of sizes for every stage of your little one, from newborn to toddler. Every size is also available in our handy bulk packs. Or order your typically Finnish menstrual products from Vuokkoset via our webshop. The pantyliners, tampons, and sanitary pads are all also available in bulk packs!