February 28 is Kalevala Day in Finland. The day marks the anniversary of the publication of the “Kalevala,” Finland’s epic, national poem, in 1835. Written by Elias Lönnrot (above), the 20,000 verse poem recants Finnish folk tales collected by Lönnrot as he traveled on foot around the countryside. The work’s publication marked a turning point in Finnish literature; up to that date, very little had been written in the Finnish language.
Kalevala Day is honored with parades and concerts.
(photo © Elissa Ernst/cc license)