Kansallispuvut
The national costumes of Finland represent modern and past regions within Finland. Their colours, patterns, textiles and components describe a rich story of each region. Despite many being more modern creations, designed in the 20th century, colours and designs were based off of archeological findings in Finland.
Pirkko Shalden and Aili Korkka, from Toronto’s Agricola Lutheran Church, have written an article, for the Finnish-Canadian newspaper Kanadan Sanomat, about the history and care of these beautiful pieces.
CFCA has adult female, adult male and female child Finnish national costumes available for rent with a damage deposit. If you’d like more information please use the form on the CONTACT US page.
Source is the Finnish Heritage Agency.
“Heritage Sunday”
Agricola Congregation, 26.1.2025
Organized by the Agricola Congregation Volunteers. CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE
LINKS TO ARTICLES
Kanadan Sanomat – English
Click button to read article
Kanadan Sanomat – Finnish
Click button to read article in Finnish
Finnish National Costumes
Since the 1970s, the Calgary Finlandia Cultural Association has been curating a collection of Finnish national costumes that represent many of the provinces and regions throughout Finland. Many designs are based on artifacts and textiles found at archeological digs. Each province and region’s costumes evolved over time to reflect the economies, beliefs and artisans of each area. CFCA is fortunate to have over a dozen of these costumes that are usually worn during special celebrations and holidays.
Suomipuku
PROVINCE: Known as the Finnish Festival Costume or Neo-traditional Costume
YEAR of ORIGIN: 1984
DESIGNER: Helmi Kotanen
This costume version was worn by Miss Finland, Erika Mäenpää, 2016. Suomi Puku (Finland Dress) was developed for the Finnish 100 years independency.
Finland (Central)
Keski-Suomi puku
YEAR of ORIGIN: 1921 & revised in 1980s
DESIGNER: Professor UT Sirelius & writer Elsa Heporauta
Originally called Jyväskylä national costume.
Sääksmäki
PROVINCE: Häme
REGION: Sääksmäki
YEAR of ORIGIN: 1920
DESIGNER: Professor UT Sirelius & writer Elsa Heporauta
CFCA has historical floral fabric version (called kalmyk). A more modern version without the floral/leaf pattern exists and is called the Sääksmäki Festive Costume”. This version was made famous after being used by the coffee brand Paulig Paula.
Tammela
PROVINCE: Häme
REGION: Tammela
YEAR of ORIGIN: 1950
DESIGNER: Professor Esko Aaltonen
& Tyyni Vahter
The Tammela national costume was commissioned by Professor Esko Aaltonen for the Tammela local history museum. It was assembled by Tyyni Vahter in 1950.
Orimattila
PROVINCE: Häme
REGION: Orimattila
YEAR of ORIGIN: 1930s
DESIGNER: Unknown
The Orimattila national costume is a controversial garment. The person who designed it in the 1930s is unknown. The costume contains elements that are not considered to have belonged to the Finnish folk costume, such as the embroidered circles on the front of the waistcoat.
Kymenlaakso – Valkeala
PROVINCE: Kymenlaakso
REGION: Valkeala
YEAR of ORIGIN: 1950s
DESIGNER: Professor UT Sirelius
The black cap and trousers are missing in this version.
Calgary Finlandia Cultural Association 