Children's own year book

Tuula Korolainen, Riitta Tulusto 2014: Lasten oma vuosikirja
illustrated by Maija Hurme

This books covers several flag days and holidays that are celebrated in Finland. Some are here just because they might intrest children (International Teddy Bear Day). This book also has stories and myths about these dates.

It starts from January, when New Year ’s Day, the Russian New Year, Epiphany and Nuutti’s day (St. Knut’s day) are celebrated.

In February are Chinese New Year, Runeberg’s day, Sami National Day, Valentine ’s Day, Shrovetide, Maslenitsa, day of Kalevala and the Leap day. Valentine’s Day is more of a Friendship Day in Finland. And on Leap day women were entitled to propose a marriage and if the man refused he was supposed to buy skirt fabric for the lady. This is a tradition in Ireland as well 

In March are international women’s day, Minna Canth’s Day, vernal equinox and the start of day light saving time. Purim , Easter and the Easter of the Greek Orthodox Church are described here as well. Although their dates vary. Easter is celebrated both on Sunday and Monday. Good Friday is a national holiday as well. Although their dates vary.

Minna Canth is the only woman, who has her own
flagging day.

Easter is celebrated both on Sunday and Monday. Good Friday is a national holiday as well.

In April are April fool’s day, International Romani national day, Mikael Agricola day, Day of Rose and Book, Åland flag day, National Veteran’s Day.

May starts with First of May, Vappu, which in Finland is the day celebrating work, then arrives Europe day, mothers’ day, J.V.Snellman’s day, day of flower, remembrance day, national museum day. Then again the Christian days that can be either in May or June: Ascension Day and Whitsuntide. Also the last day of school is the Saturday of week 22, this is either the last Saturday of May or the first Saturday of June.

 In June are The Finnish Defence Forces' Day, World’s environment day, Åland self-government day, the day for wild flowers, Mid summer and summer solstice.

It was believed that it rains so much on womens' week,
because women are so emotional.

In July all of Finland is on vacation, then is also flagged for Eino Leino, at the end of July is womens’ week, day for Unikeko (internationally known as Seven sleepers day) and Jaakko’s day (When Jaakko throws a cold stone to water). The book also tells about Id-al-Fir and its customs.

In August starts schools, the summer houses are prepared for the long winter and the end of summer is celebrated in the Ostrobothnia in Venetian evening or as others call it the end of villa season.

 In September comes the Entrepreneur’s Day, international day for literacy, international peace day, leave the car at home day, autumnal equinox and day of Mikkeli (Archangel Michel’s day).

In October are world animal day, Aleksis Kivi’s day, Global handwashing day, World Hunger day, Fairytale day, Grandparent’s day, the UN day, international Teddy Bear Day (celebrated on Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday), end of day light savings time, Kekri and Halloween.

Independence day happens to be at the darkes time of the year.

November starts with All Saints’ day, followed by Swedish Heritage day, Martti’s day, Father’s day, Universal Children’s day. Hanukkah is described in this part, because it too has changing dates. Advent time starts either on the last Sunday of November or the first Sunday of December.

In December is Independence day, Jean Sibelius day, Lucia day, winter solstice, Christmas days: Eve, Day and Tapani day (the second Christmas day) and the finally the Holy Innocents’ Day. The only bank holidays are the Church holidays (Epiphany, Easter, Ascension Day, Christmas) and then Vappu and Juhannus. More about  Flying the flag in the Ministry of the interior web site.