Remember the gratitude in Finland's 'Summer Hymn'

For many Finns, the "Suvivirsi" (Summer Hymn) is an inseparable part of spring celebrations, a song that evokes deep emotion and cherished memories. A reader writing to Helsingin Sanomat reflects on the profound joy experienced singing the hymn in school, a feeling that has lasted a lifetime.

However, the song has recently faced criticism, with some deeming it too "confessional." This criticism prompts a deeper look into the hymn's origins. The "Suvivirsi" was born out of the devastating famine of 1695-1697 in Finland. During these years, prolonged winters, incessant rain, and early frosts destroyed crops, leading to widespread starvation. With no grain aid available, people resorted to eating bark, straw, and moss. Livestock were slaughtered, and the population faced immense loss, with 20-30% perishing from hunger and disease.

The first decent harvest in years arrived in 1697, bringing with it the return of green fields, grain, and bread. The gratitude of the people was immense, having experienced what it meant for summer to not arrive. The reader argues that this profound thankfulness for the sun, greenery, warmth, and food is the true essence of the "Suvivirsi."

As spring returns, the reader urges that the "Suvivirsi" be sung with heartfelt gratitude, ideally with its original words, wishing Finland a good and bountiful summer.