Common Finnish Superstitions and Sayings
Explore suomalaiset taikausko (Finnish superstitions) and sanonnat (sayings) for cultural insight
Like many cultures, Finland has its own unique superstitions and sayings that reflect its history, traditions, and close relationship with nature. These beliefs and expressions are often rooted in folklore, offering a glimpse into Finnish wisdom and humour.
Common Finnish Superstitions
1. Don’t Whistle Indoors
Superstition: Whistling indoors is believed to summon bad luck or evil spirits.
Finnish: Älä vihellä sisällä!
Modern Meaning: This is a traditional warning, now often used jokingly.
2. Spilling Coffee Predicts Visitors
Superstition: If you spill coffee, it means someone will visit you soon.
Finnish: Jos kahvia läikkyy, vieraita tulee.
Modern Meaning: It’s a lighthearted way to explain clumsiness.
3. Knocking on Wood
Superstition: Knocking on wood helps to avoid jinxing something.
Finnish: Koputa puuta.
Modern Meaning: Widely practiced, similar to other cultures.
4. Don’t Place Keys on the Table
Superstition: Putting keys on the table invites bad luck.
Finnish: Älä laita avaimia pöydälle.
Origin: This comes from old beliefs linked to hospitality and avoiding conflict.
5. A Spider Brings Money
Superstition: Seeing a spider, especially in the evening, means you’ll receive money.
Finnish: Hämähäkki tuo rahaa.
Modern Meaning: A fun way to appreciate these eight-legged creatures.
6. Dropping a Knife Predicts a Visitor
Superstition: Dropping a knife means a man will visit, while dropping a fork predicts a woman will come.
Finnish: Veitsi putoaa – mies tulee. Haarukka putoaa – nainen tulee.
Modern Meaning: Rarely taken seriously but still mentioned in some households.
Popular Finnish Sayings and Their Meanings
1. “Ei se pelaa, joka pelkää.”
Literal Translation: “He who is afraid doesn’t play.”
Meaning: Take risks if you want to succeed.
2. “Kun menee sutta pakoon, tulee karhu vastaan.”
Literal Translation: “When fleeing from a wolf, you run into a bear.”
Meaning: Sometimes avoiding one problem leads to a bigger one.
3. “Onni suosii rohkeaa.”
Literal Translation: “Luck favors the brave.”
Meaning: Be bold, and fortune will come your way.
4. “Oma koti kullan kallis.”
Literal Translation: “Your own home is worth gold.”
Meaning: There’s no place like home.
5. “Ei niin pahaa, ettei jotain hyvää.”
Literal Translation: “Nothing is so bad that there isn’t something good in it.”
Meaning: Every cloud has a silver lining.
6. “Hullu paljon työtä tekee, viisas pääsee vähemmällä.”
Literal Translation: “A fool does a lot of work; a wise person gets by with less.”
Meaning: Work smarter, not harder.
How to Use These Superstitions and Sayings
As Conversation Starters: Mentioning superstitions can spark fun discussions with Finns about traditional beliefs.
Example: Tiesitkö, että hämähäkki tuo rahaa? – Did you know a spider brings money?
To Add Colour to Your Language: Using sayings like Onni suosii rohkeaa makes your Finnish sound more natural and engaging.
For Cultural Insight: Superstitions and sayings often reflect deeper values like resilience, courage, and practicality.
Quick Reference
Superstitions:
Don’t whistle indoors: Älä vihellä sisällä.
A spider brings money: Hämähäkki tuo rahaa.
Don’t place keys on the table: Älä laita avaimia pöydälle.
Sayings:
Luck favours the brave: Onni suosii rohkeaa.
Your own home is worth gold: Oma koti kullan kallis.
Every cloud has a silver lining: Ei niin pahaa, ettei jotain hyvää.
Final Tips
Familiarise yourself with Finnish superstitions to understand cultural nuances and spark fun conversations.
Practice using common sayings to enhance your spoken Finnish and express ideas more naturally.
Enjoy the humour and wisdom behind these traditions as you connect with Finnish culture on a deeper level.
Onnea ja viisautta! (Good luck and wisdom!)