Old Finnish Xmas Tradition

The Declaration of Christmas Peace is a Finnish tradition which launches the Christmas celebrations and in a way marks the official start of Christmas. It is based on old Scandinavian legislation created by Birger Jarl, a Noble Swedish statesman.

The Christmas Eve's tradition of reading the Declaration of Christmas Peace in Turku has continued almost uninterrupted since the 1300s.

According to folk memory, the tradition was interrupted only few times:

- during the Russian invasion and occupation of Finland in 1712–1721 – a period also known as the Greater Wrath,
- possibly between 1809 and 1815 (Russian war and occupation),
- in 1917 when the militia was on strike,
- and in 1939 because of a fear of air raids in World War II.

"Tomorrow, God willing, is the graceful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour;and thus is declared a peaceful Christmas time to all, by advising devotion and to behave otherwise quietly and peacefully,because he who breaks this peace and violates the peace of Christmas by any illegal or improper behaviour shall under aggravating circumstances be guiltyand punished according to what the law and statutes prescribe for each and every offence separately.Finally, a joyous Christmas feast is wished to all inhabitants of the city."