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"SISU" and FINNISH "UDDER STUFF"

SISU

Sisu is a unique Finnish concept. It is a word that cannot be fully translated. It defines the Finnish people and their character.

Sisu stands for the philosophy that what must be done will be done, regardless of cost.

A definition is: "�special strength and stubborn determination to continue and overcome in the moment of adversity. It is a combination of stamina, courage and obstinacy held in reserve for hard times.

Adapted from THE FINLAND PAGE

And yet to other Finns the translation of "SISU" has only one definition"GUTS".

HARTIA PANKKI

"Hartia pankki" is a closely related concept. It means physical strength and courage.

A FINNISH proverb is: "Strong willpower will take a woman even through stone."

FINNISH STUFF

Hugging does not cure desire.

"The Finn is the most watery person in Europe�Here people take baths that last three to four hours and steep their bodies in water right down to their most secret selves."

"The Finns are accustomed to skiing as fast as they wish, so that it is said that they now are close by and soon again they are far away. As soon as they have inflicted damage on the enemy, they rush away as swiftly as they came."

POETRY

"Tell me right away if I�m disturbing you,

he said as he stepped inside my door,

and I�ll leave at once.

you not only disturb me, I said,

you shatter my entire existence, Welcome."

"Finland alone- in danger of death,

superb, sublime Finland!-

shows what free men can do!"

Winston Churchill

Excerpts from Finland & Finnish American Web Resources and Sites by Kara Cook Giles