darkSpyro

That's right folks, it's Finland's independence day! As per usual, I thought I'd make a topic about it, and link some related content for you to look at, if you're interested.

Last year I linked a great BBC documentary about the Winter War, one of the largest conflicts of World War II, which was fought between Finland and the Soviet Union. Here's the link if you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMa3w8L92Xs

Here's some new content for this year, the Finlandia Hymn, written by composer Jean Sibelius. It's is a beautiful piece, and the video here also has some great clips of Finnish nature.



A fun fact: in Finland there is a sport called "wife-carrying". The point of it is to compete with other couples by carrying your wife (usually through an obstacle course) the fastest. The first prize of the contest has traditionally been the weight of the winner's wife in beer.

Quote: Wreckingball13

I've always wanted to visit Finland. My great grandmother I from there

I hope you get to visit someday. Where are you from then?

Quote: thumper

Have a wonderful Independence day. ^.^ I do agree Finlandia Hymn is a beautiful piece indeed.

A few questions, yes I'm very curious about a few things.

1. Do you live in the area with those bears?

2. Have you had any encounters with those bears?

3. Have any of the men dropped their wives while competing in the "wife carrying" event?

Edit: Not those bears in the video. Are there bears in your area where you live?

1. There are bears all over Finland, but considerably less in the western and southern parts. I live in Kauhajoki, which is more in the western part. Still, we've had bear sightings near our home area on occasions.

2. No, I have not. Even if I did, I probably wouldn't be in huge trouble. Bears are very peaceful animals and are afraid of humans just as humans are afraid of them. The only times when a bear is truly dangerous is when it's provoked, starving or with it's cubs.

3. I would imagine that they have. The contestants are required to take care of their own insurances, and the wife (who is being carried) can wear a helmet, but is not required to.

Quote: Wreckingball13

Quote: Samius

Quote: Wreckingball13

I've always wanted to visit Finland. My great grandmother I from there

I hope you get to visit someday. Where are you from then?

I'm from New Jersey, U.S.A

I see. A lot of Finns moved to America at the dawn of Finland's industrialization. Your great grandmother might be one of those people.