Traditions make Christmas
"Therefore, I declare universal Christmas Peace"
The Declaration of Christmas Peace is a centuries-old tradition that announces the commencement of Christmas.
The first centuries of the tradition have not retained precise wording, but its core content has remained the same: A declaration read out aloud reminds us of the beginning of Christmas Peace, calls for a peaceful celebration, threatens the offenders with severe punishments and wishes a merry Christmas.
The Declaration of Christmas Peace has been read in Turku as an almost unbroken tradition for 700 years from the 14th century. Christmas Peace has been declared on the balcony of the Brinkkala House since 1886. The current pattern of the Declaration of Christmas Peace dates back to 1903.
The number one Christmas tree in Finland stands in front of Turku Cathedral
The Christmas tree of Turku Cathedral has its roots deep in history. The first spruce tree that was lit with electric lamps was brought to the place already in 1900, The regular tradition of the Christmas tree standing on the Cathedral square started in the 1930s. According to the folk memory, there were small breaks in the tradition during the war years.
From 1955 onwards a careful record has been kept of the spruces, their donors, and their homes, among other things. The number one spruce of the country needs to meet certain requirements: it has to be 20–25 meters high, bushy, symmetrical, and beautifully green.
Many people attend the annual event of lighting up the tree’s lights. This year, the lights on the tree will be lit on Sat 29 November. The tree will shine its light throughout the Christmas time.
Ecumenical Christmas brings churches together
At the Ecumenical Christmas in Turku event held at the Cathedral, bishops and leaders of different denominations present a joint appeal for world peace. The event, which is filled with music, also features speeches by humanitarian messengers who change each year.
Admission to the event is free for the public. The event will be recorded and broadcast on television on Christmas Eve before the declaration of Christmas peace.
Christmas celebrations in Turku during the 1800s
What did it look like celebrating Christmas in Turku during the 1800s, when the streets were dark and the holidays long? And from where have the traditions of having a Christmas tree, giving presents, and being visited by Santa Claus come from?
Travel back in time and experience the spectrum of Christmas celebrations in the modest cottages on Luostarinmäki and in the bright halls in burgher households. Many of the current Christmas traditions – Christmas tree, presents, cards, and Santa – all stem from these homes more than 200 years ago. Perhaps you will find similarities from bygone times, or maybe you will get inspired by the Christmas food or decorations.
Royal dining and surprising feasts at Turku Castle
Take a look at Duke John’s and princess Catherine Jagiellon’s surprising banquet table in the Renaissance court at Turku Castle. You can also read about how Per Brahe and his wife Christina Catharina Stenbock celebrated the highlight of the year. At which Christmas table would you like to sit?
The stories of winter in Turku – pictures from a bygone century
These historic pictures take us through the decades, from moments in everyday life to the atmosphere of Christmas time. They reveal forgotten stories – how the Aura river was crossed with kicksleds and horse-drawn sleds, and how Santa Claus wishes Merry Christmas at Turku Railway Station. The pictures give hints of our familiar Christmas traditions: the shimmer from the Christmas tree, the declaration of Christmas peace, and the Boxing Day Songs at Luostarinmäki.