New Year’s Greetings

identity

I’ve spent the Christmas season simply recharging my batteries. It’s been a peaceful yet lively time with the children and grandchildren, but fortunately, without any forced hustle and bustle.

As part of our traditions, we visited the cemetery to light a candle for departed loved ones. This particular cemetery holds many Finnish statesmen, so on Christmas Eve, there’s always a certain amount of crowding. It didn’t bother us, as we weren’t in a hurry—though searching for a parking spot did add a bit of tension.

I’ve enjoyed cemeteries since I was a child. Many find this at least a bit odd, but I’ve collected memories of various cemeteries—resting places that are often beautiful gardens. Among the most memorable are the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, with its magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean, and of course, Pearl Harbour, in the same city. Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., is another standout, with its rich history stretching back to the American Civil War.

American cemetery culture is unique: while we bring flowers to graves, in Arlington, you might see a balloon in the colours of the U.S. flag at a graveside. Then there’s the small cemetery in the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence on the French Riviera, near Nice, where I’ve visited many times. It’s the resting place of Marc Chagall, his wife Vava, and her brother Michel Brodsky, with a stunning view of the Mediterranean. If one believes in eternal rest, that’s certainly a place fit for it.

As I grow older and continue my interest in cemeteries, I often find myself reflecting on identity—something everyone should consider from time to time, especially if they wish to better understand themselves. Each of us holds so much more than what’s visible on the surface. At this stage of my life, I can break down my identity like this:

On my mother’s side, I am of German-Swedish descent.
On my father’s side, I am a blend of Northern Ostrobotnian and Southern Savonian heritage.
By religion, I am Lutheran.
By education, I am a philosopher and nearly a lawyer.
Through my father’s legacy, I’ve developed an interest in journalism.
Through my grandfather’s influence, I’ve cultivated a love for gardening.
My mother raised me to be obedient.
My father taught me to believe in myself.
Neither left me with any political affiliations.
Much to some people’s dismay, I still refuse to align myself with any political ideology.
My thoughts are my own, and I'm free to think what I want, yet my family heritage travels with me.

What would your list look like? Identity can be explored from countless perspectives—these were mine for now.

Wishing you the very best for the New Year 2025! May the Force be with you!

- Jaana