The birch tree
Finland’s national emblem, celebrated for its beauty, resilience, and versatility.
Every part of the tree—its bark, sap, wood, and leaves—has a purpose, whether in craftsmanship, traditional medicine, or traditional rituals.
With its striking white trunks and graceful form, the birch is omnipresent in Finnish forests. It embodies a profound duality: strength and fragility,renewal and continuity. In folklore, the birch serves as a bridge between life and death, while its branches—integral to saunas and summer celebrations—symbolize purity and fertility.
In woodworking, birch is prized for its light and uniform tone, as well as its fine and even grain. It is commonly used in furniture-making, veneers, and artisanal objects such as utensils or musical instruments. Its minimal tendency to yellow over time makes it a sought-after material for decorative finishes and artworks.
The birch wood is dense and strong, with an average density of approximately 700 kg/m3 for Betula pendula. This density gives it excellent durability while remaining relatively easy to shape and carve.