Celebrations and Milestones

Important events in life have been celebrated with various rites of passage since prehistoric times. In Finland, the observance of milestones has been influenced by Christianity since the Middle Ages, with almost all holidays being connected to the faith in one way or another.

Newborn children were baptized (top shelf). Thus they became members of the community and were given godparents. In wealthier families, it was customary to have several godparents, as this strengthened ties with other prominent individuals and families.

At the age of 15, children underwent confirmation, becoming full members of the congregation and adults in the eyes of society. Those who completed confirmation had the right to receive communion and get married. Confirmation required knowledge of the Bible and the Catechism, which in turn demanded at least a functional literacy. Confirmation classes existed in every parish and were compulsory for all teenagers, boys and girls. Thus Finland, despite being a very poor and technologically backwards country for much of its history, achieved high levels of rudimentary literacy well before the establishment of widespread public schooling.

Birthday celebrations were not a common practice in Finland before the 20th century. Name days were considered much more important. However, old age was highly valued, as not everyone lived to an advanced age. At the end of life, friends and family would bid farewell to the deceased at their funeral.