How Finland’s Beauty Captured My Lens on Independence Day

Finland celebrates its Independence Day on December 6th, a significant occasion observed in various ways.

frozen flower, winter, blue and white @Minna Jacobson Finland
Frozen flower, my gift to Finland in it’s Independence Day

Our flag has two colors, blue and white, as in my photo of frozen flower. Through my photo, I want to extend belated congratulations to 106-year-old Finland.

Capturing the Natural Beauty

This year, I sought to immortalize Finland’s 106-year journey by photographing its exquisite natural beauty at Espoonkartano, a historic estate dating back to the 16th century in Espoo, Finland.

River, winter, snow, sun is shining through trees, frozen, Finland @Minna Jacobson
River in Espoonkartano

On a brilliantly sunny yet bitterly cold day (-12°C), I ventured to the estate.

Starting with the river coursing through the grounds, I captured the frost-kissed, dried flowers along its banks as the sun cast enchanting reflections on the water’s surface. Despite the biting cold numbing my fingers, the scene was captivating.

Frozen flower, bokeh, winter, freezing. snow, Finland @Minna Jacobson
Frozen flower by the river bank

Ice formations

Moving towards the frozen waterfall, I marveled at the intricate ice formations clinging to its edges. The sun’s low angle made the ice shimmer, providing an awe-inspiring sight.

Ice formation in a river, ice, winter, river, Finland @Minna Jacobson
River banks were frozen

While photographing the ice, I savoured the sound of the water flowing and the roar of the waterfall. I love that so much, that I could spent hours by the rapids.

Ice formation in a river, ice, winter, river, Finland @Minna Jacobson
Ice formation and water droplets

Abandoned house and dipper

Further upstream lay an abandoned house, its reflection on the water’s surface stirring thoughts about its history and untold tales. I was wondering why it has been abandoned as the location is beautiful as well as the house.

house by a river, winter, abandoned house, red house, river, reflection @Minna Jacobson
Abandoned house by the river

Just when I decided to leave home, I witnessed a White-Throated Dipper bobbing near the edge of the waterfall. I managed to capture a picture of it before it flew downstream. You can find more photos of White-Throated Dipper in my previous post Have you met White-Throated Dipper ?

Dipper, reflection winter, river, Finland @Minna Jacobson
White-Throated Dipper and beautiful reflections on the river surface

Traditions of Independence Day

The essence of Independence Day celebrations in Finland involves diverse traditions. Many tune in to watch the Presidential Palace’s reception, featuring ceremonial handshakes and solemn moments. Lighting candles in windows symbolizes respect for independence and serves as a reminder of past struggles.

A crucial facet of the day is honoring war veterans, often through memorial events and the laying of wreaths at their graves. But beyond rituals, Independence Day prompts deep reflections on Finland’s history, values, and its profound significance to both individuals and society. It’s a time that blends celebration with moments of solemn contemplation.

I hope you relished my Independence Day post! I am happy to hear how you celebrate your Independence Day? Do you have some traditions that you have? Share you story with me and my readers 🙂

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21 thoughts on “How Finland’s Beauty Captured My Lens on Independence Day”

  4. You capture the sort of photos I search for on icy mornings. Ice is always spectacular. At the moment here it is more like Spring and bushes are in bud, which can’t be good!

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    1. Also, apparently the dipper is Norway’s national bird. I did not know that until we saw a dipper in our neighborhood river a few years back. I was amazed how well that bird does in the rushing water. They are very cute and cool.

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      1. I didn’t know that, thanks for sharing it with me. Most of the dippers in Finland are living in Norway during the summer. They arrive in October and move back to Norway in March.

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    1. Thank you Denise! It was cold day and the sun is currently shining only couple of hours during the day. Luckily we are heading towards spring. Now it is even colder than one month ago, when I shot these photos 🥶🥶🥶

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