Christmas Peace facts for kids
Christmas Peace (called joulurauha in Finnish and julfrid in Swedish) is a very old tradition. It started in the 1200s in Sweden, thanks to a leader named Birger Jarl. Back then, if someone broke the law during important holidays like Christmas, they would get much tougher punishments. Today, it's a friendly reminder for everyone to be kind and peaceful during the Christmas season. This special declaration is still a big part of Christmas in Finland.
What is the Christmas Peace Declaration?
The tradition of declaring Christmas Peace is mostly kept alive in Finland. Finland was part of Sweden for a long time, until 1809. On Christmas Eve, the Declaration of Christmas Peace is announced in many Finnish cities.
The most famous and oldest declaration happens at noon in Turku. Turku used to be the capital of Finland. The declaration has been read at the Old Great Square there since the 1320s! There have only been a few times it was missed. This includes during a time when Russia occupied Finland (1712-1721), a strike in 1917, and during the Winter War in 1939. In 2020 and 2021, the declaration happened without an audience because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The declaration from Turku has been on Finnish radio since 1935. It started being shown on national television in 1983. Even Swedish television has shown it since 1986! You can also watch it online. Besides Turku, other old Finnish towns like Rauma, Porvoo, and Pori also make the declaration. The city of Tartu in Estonia also takes part.
Music has been a part of this event since the 1600s. Old instruments like bagpipes and drums were used. The way the ceremony is done today was set up in 1903. It begins with a hymn called "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God". Then, a city official reads the declaration at midday. The declaration is read in both Finnish and Swedish. After that, everyone sings the Finnish national anthem in both languages. The event finishes with the "March of the Men of Pori", usually played by a military band from the Finnish Navy.
The Declaration Text
The exact words for the Turku declaration were written down in 1827. Here is what the Turku Declaration of Christmas Peace says in English:
- "Tomorrow, if God allows, is the beautiful celebration of our Lord's birth;
- so, a peaceful Christmas time is declared to everyone. We ask you to be thoughtful and behave quietly and peacefully,
- because anyone who breaks this peace or acts improperly during Christmas will be found guilty
- and punished according to the laws for each wrongdoing.
- Finally, we wish a joyful Christmas celebration to all people in the city."
Images for kids
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The Finnish Navy Band playing in Turku.
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The balcony in Turku where the declaration is announced.
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The Declaration of Christmas Peace at the Old Town Hall of Pori.
See also
- Christmas truce of World War I
