confirmation traditions?

[ajl]

So one of the progeny is going to confirmation camp this summer leading to a question:
what are the traditions surrounding confirmation in Finland?
So clothing expectations, traditional gifts, everything and anything one can contribute would be appreciated.
(My background is not in Lutheran, Catholic, or other well structured christian setups).

[Jukka Aho]

So one of the progeny is going to confirmation camp this summer leading to a question:
what are the traditions surrounding confirmation in Finland?
So clothing expectations, traditional gifts, everything and anything one can contribute would be appreciated.
(My background is not in Lutheran, Catholic, or other well structured christian setups).

After the camp is done, there’s the service in the church. (Your offspring will take part in the Holy Communion and wear a white robe provided by the local parish.) Then, it’s everyone off to their homes to receive the guests (relatives, possibly some close acquaintances) who will bring gifts. On surface level, it’s about stating that you believe all that the Church teaches and becoming a full “adult” member of the church in every respect. More prosaically, the whole thing is basically a coming-of-age rite, colloquailly known as the “license to get married” or the “license to...”, well, you know! Earlier times, getting confirmed was the pivotal point in life after which the parents might finally have let their offspring to go to dancing, stay out longer, start dating etc.

In terms of giving a party, you could think of it being a mini version of your offspring passing the matriculation exam and getting their white student cap. So rent a big coffeemaker somewhere and put something on the table for the guests... A traditional gift bought by the parents would be something like a small cross pendant (especially if the child is actually religious and would actually wear it), a nice wristwatch you can wear to occasions, a pair of cufflinks, a tiepin, eardrops or other jewellery, (a part of) a set of silver cutlery for future use, a camera, a phone, a scooter (!), something related to hobbies or other interests... it depends on the family and the recipient, really. Maybe someone will want to give a speech, sing, or play an instrument, maybe not. The closest friends of the confirmed kid would of course be invited as well. Everyone is expected to wear something nice and smart, pretty much like when participating a wedding or a matriculation party.

People often have photos taken in a photo studio (so-called rippikuva, not unlike ylioppilaskuva) and may have cards printed and sent to the guests later on, as a thank you. A copy of that picture is often framed and permanently placed on top of the chest of drawers, piano, or some other visible place, to commemorate the event...

[ajl]

thanks!