CULTURE
Finland's national
epic, the Kalevala, compiled in the 19th century by the scholar
Elias Lönnrot from old Finnish ballads, lyrics, and incantations,
played a vital part in fostering Finnish national consciousness
and pride. Indeed, the development of almost all Finland's cultural
institutions and activities has been involved with and motivated
by nationalist enthusiasm. This theme can be demonstrated in the
growth and development of Finnish theatre and opera, in writing
and music, in art and architecture, and also in sport. The festivals
of various arts, held annually at places such as Helsinki, Vaasa,
and Kaustinen, and the postwar proliferation of museums in Finland
show an awareness of the individuality and importance of Finland's
contribution to world culture. Savonlinna, in particular, is celebrated
for its annual opera festivals.
After the conquest
of the Finnish tribes by Sweden beginning in the 12th century
(see History, below), the indigenous culture was to a great extent
dominated by Swedish influences, which endure to the present.
Among the peasants, traditional epic poems continued to be sung
to the accompaniment of the zither-like kantele, and wood carvings
and rugs were still decorated with the traditional polychromy
and spiral, swastika (an ancient symbol), and similar simple,
geometric designs. Among the educated, however, Swedish culture
predominated. Swedish was spoken and, with rare exceptions, was
the language of literature. Because the styles of Swedish art
and architecture were largely derivative, many Finnish buildings
and works of art reflected Italian, Flemish, German, and other
European influences. In the 19th century, however, educated Finns
began to revive the folk traditions of their country.
The country's most
important theatre is the National Theatre of Finland, established
in 1872 with Kaarlo Bergbom as producer and manager; its granite
building in Helsinki was built in 1902. There are also several
other municipal theatres. One of the most exciting in the country
is the Pyynikki Open Air Theatre of Tampere, the revolving auditorium
of which can be moved to face any of the natural sets. There are
innumerable institutions connected with the theatre in Finland,
including the Central Federation of Finnish Theatrical Organizations.
There is a wide repertory of Finnish as well as international
plays. The Finnish theatre receives some degree of government
assistance.
