Independence Day differences

Yesterday was Finland's Independence Day (the 99th!). As we made our way to our friends' house in -12C weather, in the dark, Miriam remarked that American and Finnish Independence Days were very different. Here (in Finland), it's all cold winter, dark nights, candles/Christmas lights in the window, and getting comfy in front of the TV to watch the president's speech and reception. It's quiet and subdued and cosy.

In the US, it's a summer day of cannons and parades and barbecues and sunshine, and then a summer night filled with fireworks. In other words, bright and noisy and jubilant. The two holidays could almost not be any more different.

I think a lot of this difference has to do simply with the seasons in which the two holidays take place, but I'm sure there is more to it than just that.