Estonia history
Estonia is a mixture of Nordic and European traditions; its heritage is a result of absorbing elements of the cultures of the Baltic, Slavic, Finnish and German countries that ruled this little country for seven centuries.
Early history
Until the 13th Century, Estonia managed to resist being overthrown by the Vikings and other super powers. But all that changed in 1346, when Denmark, who owned northern Estonia, sold the land to the Teutonic Knights of Germany, who were already in possession of Southern Estonia. The citizens of Estonia became peasants and their oppression lasted right through Swedish rule in the 16th Century and 200 years of Russian rule.
Quick fact!
They have the biggest collection of folk songs in the world with written records of 133,000 folk songs.
1918 – 1990
In fact, it was only towards the end of the First World War that Estonia’s fate changed and the country was able to declare independence in 1918, ending 700 years of domination by Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and finally Russia. However, this all changed again shortly after the beginning of the Second World War, when Russian troops took over Estonia and the country became the 16th Republic of the USSR in 1940.
Germany managed to take control of Estonia for four years during the Second World War, but in 1944 the Soviets regained control of the country. Before the Second World War, Estonia was mainly an agricultural country, but while it was under Soviet rule throughout the first half of the 20th Century, the country’s economy was badly affected.
1991 – present
It took almost half a century later before the country regained its independence in August 1991. This occurred after what was called the Singing Revolution, a peaceful demonstration in 1989 that was made up of a human chain of over two million people. The chain stretched through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, as all three of these countries had been occupied by the Soviets and wished to be independent. The Estonian Sovereignty Declaration was issued in November 1988 and Russia recognized Estonia’s independence in September, 1991. The last Russian troops exited the country in 1994.
The first country to diplomatically recognise Estonia’s independence was Iceland. Estonia became a member of the United Nations in September 1991 and was incorporated into the European Union (EU) in May, 2004. It also became part of NATO that same year. Two years later, in 2006, Toomas Hendrik was elected president. In March 2007, Estonia permitted voting over the Internet for parliamentary elections – the first country to do this is in the world.
Since it regained its independence, Estonia has worked on gaining economic and political ties with Western Europe. The country calls itself the gateway between East and West and has aggressively pursued economic reform, as well as integration with the West.
Today it boasts a good economy and excellent government system. The country did very well economically between 1991 and 2007, and became one of the wealthiest and most developed former Soviet Republics. Sadly, like most of its European counterparts, it was badly affected during the recent global depression, but it is showing signs of recovery.
Estonia adopted the euro as its official currency in 2011.
Estonian language and culture
Culture of Estonia
Centuries of various cultures inhabiting the land of Estonia have created a rich and diverse culture. Finnish, Slavic and Germanic settlers as well as Swedish and Russian occupations have all influenced the Estonian traditions and society. This beautiful country, where east meets west, exudes a rich cultural heritage that can be witnessed in everyday life.
Literature
Estonian literature has a deep and lush history. The oldest source of writing found in Estonian dates back to the 13th century. Priests and monks printed Estonian in German form until the 17th century. As Estonian writing became more accessible to common Estonians, writing evolved into the writing of Estonian folklore. Poetry and songs became the most popular form of writing near the 18th century.
As time progressed, fiction and philosophy emerged in the country’s literature. The most famous poet, known as the father of Estonian poetry, is Kristjan Jaak Peterson who wrote in the 19th century. The World Wars and the Soviet Union brought about a literary stagnation. At the fall of the Soviet Union, Estonian literature bloomed and flourished with modern writers like Jürgen Rooste, Kristiina Ehin and Peeter Helme establishing the new literary norm.
Festivals and Traditions
Estonian festivals and traditions are filled with history and folklore. Estonia is primarily a Christian country celebrating Christmas and Easter. Christmas is one of the most festive times of the year, with feasts and family celebrations.
Jaaniõhtu is an Estonian midsummer festivity that is based around pagan fertility rituals. When Christianity came to Estonia they renamed the holiday St. John’s day. However, the traditions of lighting a bon fire, drinking with merriment, and collecting flowers to put under you pillow to see your future mate in your dreams are still practiced.
There are also several national holidays such as Estonian Independence Day, Day of Declaration of Sovereignty and the Day of Mourning and Commemoration, commemorating the victims of Soviet deportation. Along with national and religious traditions, there are also several music festivals and seasonal festivals throughout the country.
Music
Dancing, folk music and singing are an important element in Estonian culture. Records of Estonian dancing and singing date back to the 12th century. Soldiers would sing epic songs before battles, while women would sing working songs and songs of folklore and tradition.
Estonian folksongs can be divided into two major groups, the runic songs and runo songs. Runic songs detail the Baltic and Finnic histories throughout Estonia. Runo songs are more widely studied and they relate working songs, recounting epic legends, and ballads of love and heartache. Many instruments including the fiddle, the pan flute, accordions, and the dulcimer accompanied both runo and runic style songs. Estonian folk music is still very popular in modern day festivals, concerts and celebrations. There are several music festivals throughout Estonia that celebrate folk music and traditions.
Languages of Estonia
Estonian is the official language in Estonia. The other languages spoken are Russian German and Swedish all of which are recognized as minority languages. Russian is common in the towns North-East of Estonia while Swedish is preferred by the linguistic minority occupying western and northern Estonia.
Basic Estonian words and phrases
Hello – Tere
Goodbye – Head aega
Please – Palun
Thank you – Tänan
Yes – Jah
No – Ei
My name is… – Minu nimi on…
I don’t speak Estonian – Ma ei räägi eesti keelt
Estonia weather
The general weather for Estonia is rainy, snowy, and windy throughout the year. The temperatures are most pleasant during the summer months, and the winter months require most days to be spent inside with a nice cup of hot chocolate. The high precipitation and climate have allowed for Estonia to be covered by nearly 50% forestry. The weather for Estonia makes it easier, and more desirable to visit during the summertime, to enjoy the agreeable sunshine!
Spring in Estonia
Springtime in Estonia is typically quite pleasant, the temperatures are warm and welcoming between March, April, and May, and nights are typically cooler. Because of Estonia’s borders to the Baltic Sea, spring rain is often accompanied by strong winds. Suggested clothing for Estonia in the spring would include warm sweaters and rain gear.
Summer in Estonia
The Estonian summer is characteristically the most pleasant time of year. The temperatures between the months of June and August typically range between 13°C and 20°C. Although it has a humid climate, the summers are sunnier than any other time of year. Some thunderstorms and strong winds are to be expected during later parts of the day. Pack a suitcase of lightweight clothing, with rain coats, and an umbrella.
Autumn in Estonia
Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Estonia. Temperatures vary greatly, about 12°C at the start of Autumn, but by the end of November temperatures can go below freezing! Estonia frequently experiences snow during the later parts of fall, and the days are certainly chilly. Clothing should include jackets, sweaters, and if traveling near the end of autumn, heavy coats and boots.
Winter in Estonia
Wintertime in Estonia is certainly the coldest time of year. Temperatures can reach -10°C in the most Northern parts of the country! Heavy snow, wind, and cold winds are common during an Estonian winter. January and early February are the coldest months of the year. Clothing options should include heavy winter coats, boots, and a warm scarf.
Average temperatures in Tallinn and Tartu
Average rainfall in Tallinn and Tartu
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