Julfrid

1965 Julfrid Image by V. K. Hietanen, JOKA Journalism Collection, The National Board of Antiquities, CC BY 4.0

The 2020 Julfrid during the pandemic. Image by Karl Vainio/Åbo Media Bank

At noon on Christmas Eve, peace is declared from the balcony of the Brinkkala building in Åbo. The Declaration of Christmas Peace has continued nearly uninterrupted since the 1300s. The traditions of reading the declaration from the balcony began in 1886.Today, this event is largely watched on TV. The declaration began radio broadcast in 1935 and the television broadcast began in 1983. In 1986 it began broadcast in Sweden. Now everyone can watch it via the internet.

The only times the declaration has been cancelled: • Russian invasion and occupation of Finland in 1712–1721—a period also known as the Greater Wrath • 1917 when the militia was on strike, • 1939 because of a fear of air raids.

Watch the 2020 Julfrid

God Jul & Gott Nytt År

Gift memberships for the holidays!

By far, the most important way our members can support SFHS is to add to our membership. Please consider giving a gift membership to family or friends. The membership will arrive at the new member’s home with a holiday card from you and a copy of a special issue of The Quarterly. Along with these bonuses they will also receive all of the benefits that come with membership—a subscription to The Quarterly, free genealogy help from dedicated volunteers, and access to member-only content in our online member portal. The best benefit of all is that you will be ensuring the legacy of our Swedish Finn ancestors. Purchase the gift membership online at : swedishfinnhistoricalsociety.org/new-membership/

Thank you for your continued support!