This past weekend was of utmost importance to Estonians around the world, but especially in the country proper. So honored and privileged to be here for this monumental occasion that only happens once every five years. If you are just joining me, I am with The Sweetheart for eight weeks serving as furlough replacements in the country of Estonia, city of Tallinn. You can see my other posts about the Faith Journey here, here, here, here, and here!
This weekend, choirs from around this small country gathered together to sing traditional Estonian songs, as many as 25,000 voices on stage…at the same time.
Known as “The Singing Nation”, it describes them well as they have united together in their struggle for independence back before 1918 and also during the Soviet occupation, which lasted from 1941-1991. In reality, this country, more than 1,000 years old, has only been free a total of about 43 years for its entire existence!
Estonians came together in 1988 and started the “Singing Revolution”. An innumerable group gathered on the Song Festival Grounds not just to sing their patriotic songs as they had done for over 100 years. This time they were political. They were demanding freedom; freedom without violence. Nightly, peaceful singing demonstrations continued in the country, paving the way for their independence.
In September, 1988, 300,000+ people participated in “The Song of Estonia”, beginning to see their independence from the Soviet Union as a reality.
In August of 1989, The “Baltic Way” was organized with a human chain of over 600 km reaching from Tallinn, Estonia through the country of Latvia, all the way to Vilnius, Lithuania. These three countries make up the Baltic States. Nearly TWO MILLION people participated!
It is said that the Estonians sang their way to freedom, not one shot was fired!
According to the Estonia.eu website, the 1860’s marked the beginning of a period of National Awakening for the Estonians, who had been a province of the Russian Empire. German upper class landlords ruled the Estonian lower class, or peasants. The very first Song Festival was held in the city of Tartu, June, 1869. There were 51 male choirs, five brass bands encompassing 845 singers and musicians!
Following the success of the initial festival, six more were held from 1879-1910, encouraging the nation’s cultural and economic awakening and growth. They then began to be held every five years during Estonians first independence. The festivals were “interrupted” during WWII but started back up again in 1947.
They have been consistently held every five years since 1950, except for 1969 when they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Song Festival.
When I first came to Tallinn in 2010, we watched the movie, The Singing Revolution, detailing how the Estonians literally sang their way to freedom. Emotional does not begin to describe this film! But I have always been intrigued that the Song Festival has taken place all of these decades when they were still under Soviet occupation! They have only been a free people since 1991.
Regardless of the political situation at the time, the singing continued. The Soviet regime attempted to use it to their advantage. They made sure the festivals coincided with “red holidays” and propagandist songs had to be sung if they wanted to sing their national Estonian songs.
That did not deter them. They sang on.
Free for over twenty years now, the Estonians still beam with pride in their tiny dot on the map in Northern Europe. They are a quiet, humble people but their love for country still shines and keeps them a unified nation.
Driving the streets of Tallinn today we were so happy to experience the love for country in these people as they walked literally miles to either be a spectator in the crowd of 100,000 plus, or a participant in a combined choir close to 25,000. There were many in period costume, young, old and any age in between. It was breathtaking.
Yesterday was the parade that always takes place before the singing. Everyone that sings in the choirs, and participates in the concerts or dance, walks in the parade! You think it will never end! The Sweetheart took pictures for almost two hours and they were still coming strong.
Here is a most wonderful panoramic shot of the song grounds with audio from the 2009 festival! And are two beautiful videos of part of this year’s show. The first is the children’s choir…amazing. Take a minute…you won’t believe the number of voices in that choir! Be blessed and encouraged as you see a country proud of their existence, their heritage and their right to remain independent. May we learn something about unity from them in America.
Sharing with Making Your Home Sing, Amaze ME Monday, Inspire Me Monday, Living Proverbs 31, Modest Monday, Mama Moments, Missional Call, Monday Musings, Tell me a true story, Titus 2 Tuesday, Testimony Tuesday, Titus 2sdays, Messy Marriage, Whole Hearted Wednesdays, Raising Homemakers, Winsome Wednesday, Homemaking Party, Thankful Thursday, Thriving Thursday, Thrive at Home, Time Travel Thursday, Hearts for HOme, Essential Fridays, Friendship Fridays, Faith Filled Fridays
Thanks, Rosilind, so glad to hear from you. Blessings!
Ohhhh – what an inspiring article. I am so glad I stopped by to read this. So amazing!!
It is a beautiful country with amazing, sweet people. So blessed to be here. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Beautiful pictures and how neat a people!
I am so glad you could be there for this lovely celebration. Singing to win freedom, that is amazing and we could learn from that too. Singing will take us up and over our problems as a person and as a nation also. Thank you for sharing your lovely post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” At: http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Love your analogy to Paul and Silas! Thank you for telling me about the video 🙁 It was fine when I uploaded it, I guess I shouldn’t have done that! Blessings, friend!
It is our privilege, Renee! We have been here before for three months in 2010 and loved the city and the people especially. Amazing country! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Blessings.
What a gift you’re giving to the furloughed missionaries, to those they minister to, and to us—with this interesting post! Great pics! Thanks for sharing at Thriving Thursday. Blessings!
This reminds me of the singing that Paul and Silas did in their prison cell. And God used their singing to usher in freedom for them and others as well! What a beautiful way to assert your independence–much better than blood-shed. Thanks so much for sharing your passion for these people, my friend. It’s an inspiration–both their spirit and yours! (FYI, Nannette, I tried clicking on the video and it said it was disabled.) Hugs to you!
What a beautiful and amazing tradition! I can only imagine how lovely it was to hear so many singing together. Perhaps a foretaste of that heavenly choir we will all participate in one day?!
GOD BLESS!
Thank you Holly. We are enjoying being here for sure.
Awesome, Carol! We have been to Helsinki, it is beautiful there too! Although it was covered in FEET of snow at the time…we saw the city by tram 🙂 Thank you for your prayers. I hope you get to see this part of the world some day.
Thank-you for sharing the pictures and history of Estonia. My heritage is from Finland. Someday I would like to visit both Finland and Estonia. Blessings as you continue your ministry!
Love your photos! And what an interesting history of Estonia! I know you are loving being there.Thanks for sharing with us at Testimony Tuesday.
Isn’t it awesome! Gets me every time 🙂 Thanks, Floyd.
Thank you, Joanne. We are enjoying it here and hope to be a blessing.
They were gorgeous! Some of them had to be hot thought…many were woolen that we saw. And wouldn’t you know it, this weekend it decided to warm up finally! Thank you for taking the time to read. Blessings.
Thank you for stopping by Deb. It’s amazing isn’t it?!
A very interesting post ! 🙂 Enjoyed it and am listening to the video on You Tube now :P)
Wow! I love the costumes in the second picture! <3
Grateful to have learned more about this area & people! May God continue to be with you, Nannette, and use you to reach lives & bring Him glory!
Wow… What a great history lesson, and example of a people of graceful hearts. Thanks, Nannette. I can see why you enjoy your calling. Good for you.