The Declaration of Christmas Peace

[Crossroads]

For centuries, in the Old Great Square of Turku, at 12 noon every Christmas Eve (except in 1939 due to the Winter War) - and just half an hour ago again, a crowd of several thousand people gathers to listen to the Declaration of Christmas Peace.

It has read, and continues to read, as follows:

"Tomorrow, God willing, is the graceful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour; and thus is declared a peaceful Christmas time to all, by advising devotion and to behave otherwise quietly and peacefully, because he who breaks this peace and violates the peace of Christmas by any illegal or improper behaviour shall under aggravating circumstances be guilty and punished according to what the law and statutes prescribe for each and every offence separately.

Finally, a joyous Christmas feast is wished to all inhabitants of the city!"

(As of 1899, the crimes committed on christmas time, have actually not been punished under aggravating circumstances. Oh, the modern times.)

Not to jinx things, it's that time of the year again. 

Quite a year, 2020, as present in this festive event as well: the Old Square closed off, choirs downsized with safety distancing, the Navy Band too. 

A Mighty Force is Our God
12 o'clock bells from Cathedral of Turku
Declaration of Christmas Peace
National Anthem
March of the Pori People

https://areena.yle.fi/1-50632774

May You All Enjoy A Peaceful Christmas