Are you looking for activities that promote Finnish language and culture that you can do from the comfort of your own home? Please try some of these.

Try some Moomin-themed crafts for children!

Instruction sheets for each craft are available for download here: https://www.moominworld.fi/activities/activity-instructions

Watch Finnish Movies for Free

Check out www.elonet.fi from the Kansallin en Audiovisuaalinen Instituutti

Learn How to Make Himmeli Ornaments

What is Himmeli?

The himmeli is a popular traditional Finnish holiday decoration made from straw. Although the root of the word “himmeli” is Germanic – in Swedish and German himmel means “sky” or “heaven” – and different versions of this straw mobile can be found in other Nordic countries, the himmeli is considered the quintessential traditional Finnish Christmas decoration. The structure of a himmeli consists of geometrical shapes constructed with multiple pieces of straw. Typically, the best himmelis are made from rye due to its long and sturdy stems.

Historically, himmelis hung above dining tables to ensure a good crop for the coming year and stayed on display from Christmas till Midsummer. A well-kept himmeli can last up to a hundred years. In modern interpretations, the materials vary from plywood to paper and even plastic straws.

https://acraftedpassion.com/how-to-make-himmeli-ornaments/

What is a kantele?

A kantele is a traditional Finnish and Karelian plucked string instrument with a distinctive bell-like sound. Players hold the kantele in their laps or on a small table. In Finland’s national epic, Kalevala, the mage Väinämöinen makes the first kantele from the jawbone of a giant pike and hairs from Hiisi’s stallion. The music it makes draws all the forest creatures near to wonder at its beauty.