maljojen

Maljojen is the genitive plural form of the Finnish noun malja. Malja has two primary meanings: a drinking cup or goblet, and the act of proposing or sharing a toast. Because of these senses, maljojen can refer to multiple cups used in ceremonies or to multiple toasts, depending on the context. In grammatical terms, maljojen marks possession or association with malja in the plural.

In practice, maljojen appears mainly in descriptive or formal writing rather than everyday speech. It is used in phrases that discuss aspects of toasts or cups, such as quantities or characteristics of ceremonial toasts. Examples of associated phrases include maljojen määrä (the number of toasts) and maljojen sisältö (the content or message of the toasts). The term is neutral and does not itself specify the exact celebration.

Cultural context in Finland emphasizes social toasting as part of many celebrations, including weddings, birthdays, and national holidays. The word malja links both the physical vessel and the act of toasting, and maljojen as a grammatical form often appears in linguistic, historical, or descriptive contexts rather than in casual conversation.

See also malja, kippis, toasting in Finland.