Finland’s Red and Yellow Color Theme
Astute visitors to Finland can’t help but notice the recurring theme of red and yellow colors throughout this beautiful country. Rather more of a ‘katchup and mustard’ combination, these striking hues are featured on everything from houses and buildings to trains and boats and even to flower beds and the clothing fashions worn by the Finns themselves.
The origin of this tradition is difficult to trace, but could be related to the colors of the unofficial flag of the Swedish-speaking Finns or the temporary state flag used from 1917-1918. The red and yellow color scheme is so pervasive that it even extends to an area near Las Vegas, Nevada called Little Finland, which is known for its red and yellow rock formations.
Enjoy this gallery featuring shades of red and yellow captured with my camera around Helsinki, Porvoo and Suomenlinna Sveaborg.
Hi John, the colours are recurring here in Sweden, too! I´m not sure about the yellow colour, but the red one comes from the region of Falun, Sweden – they used (and still use) this special paint with traces of copper for its protective features for their wooden houses (which as you know are everywhere in Scandinavia). In Finland they use hematite, which makes the paint red, too. Anyway, I love those lovely colours! 🙂
Hello Monika, Thanks for joining the conversation and providing that interesting information. It certainly answers my question about the recurring red and yellow colors in Finland and it’s interesting to know that they are found throughout Sweden, as well. Hope you’ll come back and visit us often at Blue Orb Travel.