Nordicness

What does it mean to be Nordic?

Historical and cultural viewpoints

The following is a summary of an online discussion I had about the historical perspectives on the interconnectedness of the Nordic and Baltic regions and their shared cultural values.

The outdented paragraphs are my own replies, the indented ones those of the other party.

[...] Just adding to the discussion: Sweden has had a considerable influence in Estonia due to their 150 years of Swedish rule. Also, religion (Lutheranism). All in all, I don’t think it’s too far-fetched (although less so in Norway’s case).

I mean, what does Finland have in common with Norway or Denmark?

They have been a part of the same country or personal union for a bit over a century (Kalmar Union), but other than that — not much. There’s some cultural connection due to Finland being essentially Sweden for most of its history and Finland having a considerable North Germanic (i.e. Swedish-speaking) population — but this connection shouldn’t be overstated.

I’m with you on this. The period of Soviet occupation has shaped perceptions of Estonia to an unreasonable degree. The only reason they’re being labeled as East Europe in this comparison [a map of European regions] is due to their time as a Soviet Republic. Historically, Estonia is different (whether it’s Nordic or Baltic or something else entirely is not my place to say).

Exactly. Us talking about Finland or Estonia being similar to Scandinavia means 1) direct connections to Sweden for both, 2) direct connections to Denmark for Estonia and 3) general Scandinavian influence. Peripheral countries of the same region rarely have a lot specific in common.

Agreed. It could also be argued that (historically) the biggest difference between Finland and Estonia isn’t so much the Soviet influence, but rather the Baltic German influence.

Yes, definitely. Because Scandinavian influence is on a spectrum for both, while Finland doesn't have basically any Baltic German influence and Estonia has a ton.

[...] Our cultures [Estonian and Finnish] are a mix of Finnic origins, Baltic German influence and Scandinavian influence. Being ruled by Denmark left us [Estonians] a ton of national symbolism, being ruled by Sweden left us our traditional religion, education system etc.

Plus historically Estonians lived a similar lifestyle to the Vikings and historical trade relations have brought a shitton of cultural influence in cuisine, holidays etc.

You should rather ask — what specific aspects does Finland share with Scandinavia that Estonia doesn't. There really aren't that many, plus Estonia shares some that Finland doesn't.

[...] Swedish historiography has truly worked overtime to erase Finland from its history. On the other side of the pond there’s a bit of a different mindset. Some historians even go as far as to say that in 1809 two Swedens were born, one of which was called Finland.

This is of course a controversial topic, and there are plenty of nationalists in Finland who try to argue a more colonialist viewpoint on the history of Sweden–Finland — but regardless of one’s personal opinions, the connection between Finland and Sweden is undeniable.