Strange freedom: 6 weird Independence Day traditions from around the world

Independence is a sweet word. In Finland, we celebrate independence for the 99th time in 2016. It is fitting to compare independence day traditions in Finland to other countries.

In our defence, remember the weather in Finland in early December as you read on.

1. Independence day in Finland, December 6th

The sixth of December is celebrated in remembrance of the former tsarist era Grand Duchy of Finland severing ties with Russia. The timing was right, occurring after the Bolshevik revolution in the fall of 1917. The Soviet project soon became a less than pleasant scene.

Finland became a part of Russia in the early 1800s. The relationship had its ups and downs and started to deteriorate in the early 1900s under active Russification.

Modern day Finland uses independence day to maintain a national mythos of unification. This results from the WWII era struggles to avoid becoming a Soviet satellite.

Tradition involves lighting candles in windows in remembrance of fallen soldiers. Most importantly, the Finnish societal, political and diplomat elite attend a televised ball at the presidential palace in Helsinki.

Watching the ball is popular despite the stuffy premise. Most of it is a procession of hundreds of guests shaking hands with the president and their spouse.

A common part of the fun is defining an implied pecking order of guests perceived as female based on their dress. The dresses and companions of high society attendees are constant targets for tabloids the following days.

2. France, July 14th

France likes fireworks on Bastille Day. This is the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14 1789, an important event of the French revolution. Military parades are also common.

The most quirky tradition is the Fireman’s Ball. Some of the country’s fire stations open up for public celebration.

These balls feature a dancefloor, music, a bar and food. Big fire stations sometimes have multiple dance floors for different tastes. Sometimes the balls are free, while other times money is collected to benefit the fire brigades.

3. India, August 15th

In India, the prime minister gives a speech at Fort Delhi to commemorate the end of 200 years of British colonial rule on August 15 1947.

Flying kites steals the show. These symbolise freedom and often feature the national tricolour. It gets competitive as adults try to knock other kites out of the sky.

4. Pakistan, August 15

Pakistan and India share more than bitter rivalry. British colonial rule ended for Pakistan on the same day in 1947. Efforts to keep peace in border regions are notable.

Activists across the Indian-Pakistani border have started hanging out together to create cultural prerequisites for peace. They cheer on border guards as the flags are lowered. In 2013, Indian border officials started bringing sweets to their Pakistani counterparts.

5. South Korea, August 15

South Koreans celebrate Gwangbokjeol or the Day of Restoration of Light. This marks the end of Japanese colonial rule which lasted from 1910 to 1945. Koreans were not fans of attempts to assimilate their economy and society with Japan.

The government gives out special pardons to prisoners as a literal take on freedom. A ceremony is held at the Independence Hall of Korea where the president speaks and everyone sings the Gwangbokjeol song.

6. Indonesia, August 17

Indonesia celebrates the end of Dutch colonial power on August 17 1945. Armed conflict continued for four years until the United Nations pressured the Netherlands to stop. Independence was granted in August 1949.

Traditions include flag raising ceremonies, neighbourhood events and traditional games. These include multicultural cooking competitions and sack racing. A fascinating tradition is climbing oiled palm trees and a competition for eating shrimp cookies.