Kalevala Day

Ateneum has a special exhibition about Kalevala.

Today is Kalevala day which is also known as the day of Finnish culture. Kalevala is the national epic of Finland that is based on folk poetry collected by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century.

The poster has one of the most well-known artworks in Finland by Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The old wise man is Väinämöinen, one of the main characters of the epic. Joukahainen promised his sister Aino as Väinämöinen’s wife if Väinämöinen would save Joukahainen from a swamp. While Aino’s mother was very pleased of this arrangement, Aino wasn’t.

A Prince in the Making

The princess has no time to waste as the frog has already melted a bit.

This is one of the ice sculptures of Art Meets Ice competition. I’ve already posted a photo of a frozen frog earlier.

A Lone Boat

They left me here at Mustikkamaa (blueberry field).

Snow Leopard Attack

This snow leopard is about to make a big jump.

When I visited Korkeasaari zoo, snow leopards were very active. This one was playing in the snow and then it suddenly started to run towards me and made the big jump.

More photos of the “attack” in my photography blog.

Walking on the Ice

A temporary bridge is built to Uunisaari island every winter but it seemed that more people actually just walked across the sea.

Walking on the ice is not advisable unless you really know what you are doing. Ask the locals and remember that some of the locals are taking big risks.

Red Lights

Braking at Senate's Square.

It was blue hour and there were nice reflections from the wet streets. Unfortunately I had to hurry home as my “water-proof” shoes were also completely wet.

Laskiaissunnuntai

Waiting for the turn at Taivaskallio. I've used to seeing just a hill full of children going down so this looks a bit too organized.

Laskiainen has the same roots as Catholic carnival and mardi gras. For many Finns it means being outdoors with the kids and sleds are an essential part of the fun. Many other activities are organised for children like horse sleight rides. At Taivaskallio there was a long queue for a short ride in a fire engine.

People eat pea soup and laskiaispulla which is is a bun with whipped cream and either strawberry jam or almond filling. One of the ultimate fights in Finland is which of the the two is the orthodox filling for a laskiaispulla.

Safety First

Even the snowmen have become more aware of safety issues.

Walking in Seurasaari

Enjoying a cold and sunny winter day at Seurasaari outdoor museum.

Tracks

Tracks found from Meilahti.