Photo: University Almanac Office / Onerva Ollila
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A survey conducted by the University of Helsinki Almanac Office reveals that name days remain a widely observed tradition in Finland. Around 80% of Finns receive congratulations on their name day, most often from parents, spouses, friends, children, or siblings.
The most common ways to celebrate include face-to-face greetings, social media messages, or phone calls.
Some also mark the occasion with coffee gatherings, greeting cards, or small gifts, such as flowers or chocolates. Name days are most commonly recognised at home but are also noted in workplaces, schools, and daycare centres. About a quarter of Finns consider their name day an important celebration.
“The popularity of name day greetings and small gifts shows that name days are an integral part of Finnish culture and a way to acknowledge others in daily life,” said Minna Saarelma-Paukkala, a name day expert at the University of Helsinki.
Name days remain a key feature in calendars
Calendars are the primary
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
