By Laura Palotie
Today the Finnish community of New York will once again flock to Greenwich Village, where the city鈥檚 Finnish church and school join forces for their annual holiday bazaar and traditional Christmas carol sing-along. Most of the city鈥檚 expat Finns have become a seamless part of the city鈥檚 hurried habits, but for one day each year several generations are brought together by the scent of traditional rice porridge and songs reminding them of Christmases past. In addition, the traditional Lucia procession is a cherished tradition for many parents and children.
About forty volunteers work on the event, whose planning begins in early October, says Ilona L盲hde, co-coordinator of this year鈥檚 event. L盲hde has lived in New York for two years, and two of her three children have been students at the . She adds that in addition to the sing-along, the Lucia procession and the traditional porridge, Finnish candies and baked goods such as Karelian pastries are popular draws at the bazaar. Many also stop by to browse handmade Christmas decorations, wool socks and holiday cards.
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鈥淭here鈥檚 something homey and familiar about the event, and gives people the opportunity to meet other Finns in addition to enjoying treats and hearing songs that are dear to them,鈥 she says. L盲hde adds that her family particularly looks forward to the Saint Lucia procession, which honors the patron saint of light and follows a tradition celebrated in Scandinavia on December 13. One lucky child gets to don a crown of lights, while others follow her down the aisle of the church with candles in hand. Lucia Day is most notably celebrated in Sweden, and is thus an important holiday among Swedish-speaking Finns. 鈥淥ur children attended Swedish-speaking schools in Finland, and it was nice that we didn鈥檛 have to forego the Lucia tradition after moving to New York,鈥 L盲hde says.
The popularity of the event, which frequently fills up the church, reflects the importance of Christmas in Finnish culture. During the darkest time of the year, a holiday devoted to family, food and light is approached with gratitude and reflection; this attitude is visible, for example, in the markedly spiritual holiday songs.聽鈥淔inns quiet down for several days to celebrate the holiday,鈥 L盲hde says. 鈥淐hristmas is certainly one of the biggest holidays in New York as well, but [Americans celebrate it] with more flash and color.鈥
