Tallinn’s 350-Year-Old Christmas Peace Tradition Lives On in 2023
Christmas Peace was declared in Tallinn on Wednesday at noon, continuing a tradition that stretches back centuries. The annual proclamation took place from the Town Hall window, where city officials have shared the message since the 17th century. This year, the duty fell to Mayor Peeter Raudsepp, who addressed the gathered crowd with the customary words.
The tradition of proclaiming Christmas Peace began under Queen Christina of Sweden in the 1600s. For over 350 years, the announcement has marked the start of the festive season in Estonia. In Tallinn, the capital, the declaration has been made from the Town Hall balcony or window since the custom’s early days.
In 1993, the first president of Estonia after independence, Lennart Meri, revived the practice by reading the proclamation himself. Two years later, the responsibility shifted to the mayor of Tallinn, a role that has continued ever since. Former mayor Jüri Ratas upheld the tradition for many years, but this time, Peeter Raudsepp took on the task. At midday on Christmas Eve, Raudsepp stood before the public and delivered the time-honoured message. The words, passed down through generations, signalled the official beginning of the holiday period for the city’s residents.
The proclamation of Christmas Peace remains one of Tallinn’s most enduring customs. Each year, the mayor’s announcement from the Town Hall window connects the present to a tradition that has survived for centuries. The event marks a moment of unity as the city prepares for the festive celebrations ahead.
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