Flag lighting in Finland – rules and practice

In many countries a lit flag may stay up after sunset, but Finnish practice is different. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the ban on flying the flag at night is absolute, and the flag is lowered at sunset whether or not the pole is lit. Lighting still has a role, for example at celebrations that continue into the evening. This guide describes what the rules and guidance say about lighting the flag.

Flying times and lighting

Under the Decree on Flying the Flag of Finland, flag flying begins at 8.00 and ends at sunset, but no later than 21.00. The decree has no exception for a lit flag. According to the Ministry of the Interior, Finland has freedom to fly the flag, but the ban on flying the flag at night is absolute. According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, the main thing is that the flag is not left up overnight.

The decree has two exceptions tied to the clock: at Midsummer flag flying begins at 18.00 on the eve and continues through the night until 21.00 on Midsummer Day, and on Independence Day the flag is lowered at 20.00, even though the sun has set by then. The flying times are described in the guide to flag rules.

A lit celebration

According to the Ministry of the Interior’s frequently asked questions, the flying times are followed at celebrations too. If the flagpole is in a lit area and the celebration continues past the normal lowering time, the Ministry says the flag may exceptionally stay up until the end of the event. The flag is lowered as soon as the event is over and is not left up through the night. Lighting thus allows the flag to stay up during an evening celebration, but not overnight.

The polar night

In the areas of polar night (kaamos) in northern Finland, the sun does not rise at all in winter or only briefly. By established practice, the Ministry of the Interior has recommended flying the flag from 8.00 to 16.00 in winter in these areas. The recommendation is based on the clock, so lighting does not change it.

Facade flags and the house pennant

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the same flying times apply to a facade flag fixed to a house wall as to other flags, so it is also taken in in the evening. According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, the flying times do not apply to the house pennant, so the pennant can fly day and night regardless of lighting.

Lighting and electrical safety

According to Tukes, the main principle is that an ordinary electricity user may not carry out fixed electrical installations. An ordinary electricity user may, however, install extra-low-voltage lighting systems, for example at 12 volts, following the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions. Mains-voltage outdoor lighting, buried cable and a fixed connection to the grid are work for electrical professionals.

A flagpole light is usually placed at the foot of the pole so that the light falls on the flag from below, or at the top of the pole. When the light is on the ground, the cable route can be planned while the pole’s foundation is being dug. More information is in the guide to flagpole installation.

Lighting at businesses

The rows of poles at businesses and public buildings are often lit, because in winter the flying times reach into the dark: at 8.00 it is dark in much of Finland in midwinter. Under the Building Act, a lit advertising device of at least 2 square metres needs a building permit, so for a lit company or advertising flag the municipal building control authority can say whether the provision applies. More information is in the guide to flagpoles for businesses.