vuodenvaihteissa

Vuodenvaihteissa, also known as winter solstice or the time of transition from one year to another, is a significant event in the Finnish culture and calendar. It takes place on December 31st at midnight, marking the end of the previous year and the beginning of a new one. For many Finns, this time of year is a period of introspection, self-reflection, and renewal.

Historically, vuodenvaihteissa has been marked by various traditions and customs. In the past, people would often stay up late on New Year's Eve, singing, dancing, and enjoying food and drinks with friends and family. The celebration would begin with a dinner, known as "vantauspäivin aitautuminen," which typically consisted of stewed meat, potatoes, and vegetables.

One of the most significant customs associated with vuodenvaihteissa is burning effigies and fireworks. In the lead-up to the event, people would often create and burn effigies made of straw and mannequins, symbolizing the throwing away of the old and the creation of the new. Fireworks also played a significant role in the celebrations, with many Finns enjoying the spectacle on the hills and open spaces.

As the clock strikes midnight, Finns would often sing traditional songs and toast with sparkling wine or champagne. In recent years, the celebrations have become more modernized, with many people gathering in cities and towns to watch fireworks displays and live music performances. Despite these changes, the core spirit of vuodenvaihteissa remains the same: a time for nostalgia, hope, and new beginnings.