Tiehorangan

Tiehorangan refers to a traditional Finnish folk custom and festival that marks the beginning of the winter season, typically celebrated on the first Sunday after the autumn equinox, which usually falls in late September or early October. The name "tiehorangan" is derived from the Finnish words *tie* (meaning "road" or "path") and *horanta* (meaning "to open" or "to begin"), symbolizing the transition into the darker, colder months ahead.

The festival has roots in pre-Christian Finnish paganism, where it was associated with honoring the gods and ensuring a successful winter. Over time, it merged with Christian traditions, particularly All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Eve) and All Souls' Day, which are celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, respectively. In some regions, tiehorangan was also linked to the Finnish harvest festival, *korppikota*, which celebrated the end of the agricultural year.

Modern celebrations of tiehorangan often include gathering with family and friends, sharing meals, and participating in seasonal activities such as apple picking, mushroom foraging, or preparing food for the winter. Some communities hold bonfires or light candles to symbolize the return of light after the long, dark nights. The festival also serves as a reminder of the changing seasons and the importance of gratitude for the harvest.

While tiehorangan is not widely recognized as a national holiday, it remains an important cultural observance in rural and traditional Finnish communities. Its themes of transition, gratitude, and community resilience continue to resonate in contemporary Finnish culture, reflecting the country’s deep connection to nature and seasonal cycles.