Surf Wiki
Save to docs
general/orders-decorations-and-medals-of-finland

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

Orders, decorations, and medals of Finland

none

Orders, decorations, and medals of Finland
Summary

none

All three Finnish orders on display at the [[state funeral of Martti Ahtisaari]] together with his [[Nobel Peace Prize]].

The orders, decorations and medals of Finland form a system through which the Finnish government shows its respect to persons who have distinguished themselves on some walk of life. The legal basis of the system is the Act on the displays of public recognition (1215/1999) which grants the president the authority to issue decrees on orders, medals and titles.

The system is divided into three groups:

  1. orders
  2. decorations and medals
  3. titles

Orders, decorations, and medals

Order of the Cross of Liberty, 3rd class with swords

Orders

There are three official Finnish orders:

  • The Order of the Cross of Liberty, founded in 1918
  • The Order of the White Rose of Finland, founded in 1919
  • The Order of the Lion of Finland, founded in 1941

The President of Finland is the grand master of all orders. Of the orders, the Order of the Cross of Liberty is the most distinguished and awarded the most seldom. Its decorations are awarded only for military or national defence merits, although the order is not purely military: civilians may receive decorations of the order for national defence merits. The other two orders are awarded both for civilian and military merits. The bulk of the decorations are awarded twice a year, on 4 June on the Flag Day of the Finnish Defence Forces, and on the Independence day, 6 December. In total, there are about 6.000 awards a year.

The orders of the White Rose and the Lion of Finland have a common board and chancellor, while the Order of the Cross of Liberty has a separate board and chancellor. All orders are awarded by the president of Finland.

The Order of the Cross of Liberty is always awarded "with swords" to military persons, with an additional ribbon in rosette form (see image in the beginning of the article) for combat or war-time merits. The decorations of the Order of the White Rose of Finland are awarded "with swords" only for combat merits and the decorations of the Order of the Lion of Finland only for war-time military merits. As such merits are usually recognised by decorations of the Order of the Cross of Liberty, the awards of the Order of the White Rose of Finland "with swords" have been vanishingly rare. The decorations of the Order of the Lion of Finland were awarded "with swords" mainly for merits incurred in home front service. No awards of either order have been issued "with swords" for merits incurred after the Second World War.

In addition to the three official orders, there is one semi-official: the Order of the Holy Lamb of the Orthodox Church of Finland.

Decorations and medals

The cross of merit of customs service with a clasp, a typical Finnish branch-specific cross of merit. The cross is awarded by the minister responsible for customs for distinguished service or contributions to the customs service. A cross with a clasp may be awarded in special cases.

The individual areas of government have usually a separate awards system designed to show respect for those persons who do not qualify for an order. Such medals are founded by a presidential decree. Most typically, they include one or two classes: a cross and a medal. Thus far, the following medals have been founded

  • The medal of merit of motor transport
  • The medals of merit of customs service
  • The crosses and medals of merit of Finnish sports and culture of physical exercise
  • The Olympic cross (1st and 2nd class) and medal of merit
  • The cross and medals of merit of Finnish Red Cross
  • Life saving medal
  • The memorial medal of the "War of Liberation", i.e. to the participants of the Troops of the Republic of Finland (Whites) in the Finnish Civil War (1918)
  • The memorial medal of the Winter War (1939–1940)
  • The memorial medal of the Continuation War (1941–1944) and Lapland War (1944–1945)
  • Mine clearance medal
  • Medal for humane benevolence (Pro Benignitate Humana)
  • The cross of merit of the invalids of war
  • The cross and medal of merit of police
  • The cross and medal of merit of Finnish Border Guard
  • The badge of merit of fire prevention
  • The 1st and 2nd classes of the medal of merit of civil defence
  • The cross of merit of prison service
  • The cross of merit of customs service, with or without a clasp
  • The military merit medal
  • The golden medal of merit of Suomen Reserviupseeriliitto (Finnish reserve officers' association)
  • Guild metal of merit
  • The cross of merit of Reserviläisliitto – Reservin Aliupseerien Liitto (Reservists' association – Reserve NCOs' association)
  • The medal of merit of Insinööriupseeriliitto (Engineer Officers' association)
  • The medal of merit of Kadettikunta (Cadet Corps)
  • The medal of merit of traffic safety branch
  • The special medal of merit of work for working environment

In addition, there is a state decoration for 30 years of service of state. The corresponding decorations of the Central Chamber of Commerce and City of Helsinki the League of Finnish Municipalities are also approved for use with the official decorations. Other decorations of private bodies may only be used privately.

The awarding body of the medals and crosses of merits varies. Although the decorations are founded by the president, the awarding body is usually the chief of the authority in question, i.e. a minister or a high-level civil servant.

Order of precedence

The official order of precedence is:

Name
In English, Finnish, and SwedishAbbreviation12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758596061626364656667686970717273747576777879808182838485
Grand Cross, with Collar, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun suurristi ketjuineen
Storkorset med kedja av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR GC collar
SVR SR ketj.
FVR SK kedj.
Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
Vapaudenristin suurristi
Frihetskorsets storkors-
VR SR
FrK SK
Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun suurristi
Storkorset av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR GC
SVR SR
FVR SK
Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Suomen Leijonan suurristi
Storkorset av Finlands Lejons ordenFL GC
SL SR
FLO SK
Mannerheim Cross, 1st Class, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
Vapaudenristin 1. luokan Mannerheim -risti
Frihetskorsets Mannerheimkors av 1. klass-
MR 1
MK 1
Cross of Liberty, 1st Class with star
1. luokan Vapaudenristi rintatähtineen
Frihetskorsets 1. klass med kraschan-
VR 1 rtk.
FrK 1 mkr.
Commander, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun I luokan komentajamerkki
Kommendörstecknet av I klass av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR C I
SVR K I
FVR K I
Commander, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Suomen Leijonan I luokan komentajamerkki
Kommendörstecknet av I klass av Finlands Lejons ordenFL C I
SL K I
FLO K I
Mannerheim Cross, 2nd Class, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
Vapaudenristin 2. luokan Mannerheimristi
Frihetskorsets Mannerheimkors av 2. klass-
MR 2
MK 2
Cross of Liberty, 1st Class
1. luokan Vapaudenristi
Frihetskorsets 1. klass-
VR 1
FrK 1
Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun komentajamerkki
Kommendörstecknet av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR C
SVR K
FVR K
Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Suomen Leijonan komentajamerkki
Kommendörstecknet av Finlands Lejons ordenFL C
SL K
FLO K
Great Cross of Merit of the Finnish Sports
Suomenliikuntakulttuurin ja urheilun suuri ansioristi
Finlands idrottskulturs stora förtjänstkors-
SU s.ar
Fl s. fk.
Finnish Olympic Cross of Merit, First Class
Suomen Olympialaisen ansioristin 1. luokka
Finlands Olympiska förtjänstkors av 1 klass-
O ar 1
O fk 1
Medal of Liberty, 1st Class with rosette, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
1. luokan Vapaudenmitali ruusukenauhassa
Frihetsmedaljens 1. klass med rosett på bandet-
Vm 1 rnk.
Frm 1 mrb.
Medal of Merit in gold of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
Vapaudenristin kultainen ansiomitali
Frihetskorsets förtjänstmedalj i guld-
VR kult.Am
FrK Fm g.
Cross of Mourning of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
Vapaudenristin sururisti
Frihetskorsets sorgekors-
VR surur.
FrK srk.
Medal of Mourning of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
Vapaudenristin surumitali
Frihetskorsets sorgemedalj-
VR surum.
FrK srm.
Cross of Liberty, 2nd Class, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
2. luokan Vapaudenristi
Frihetskorsets 2. klass-
VR 2
FrK 2
Cross of Liberty, 3rd Class, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
3. luokan Vapaudenristi
Frihetskorsets 3. klass-
VR 3
FrK 3
Cross of Liberty, 4th Class, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty, for war-time merits
4. luokan Vapaudenristi sodanajan ansioista
Frihetskorsets 4. klass för krigstida förtjänster-
VR 4
FrK 4
Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun I luokan ritarimerkki
Riddartecknet av I klass av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR K I
SVR R I
FVR R I
Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Suomen Leijonan Pro Finlandia-mitali
Pro Finlandia-medaljen av Finlands Lejons ordenFL PF
SL PF
FLO PF
Badge of Merit of the Order of the White Rose of Finland Changed to Cross of Merit of-
SVR am
FVR T
Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Suomen Leijonan I luokan ritarimerkki
Riddartecknet av I klass av Finlands Lejons ordenFL K I
SL R I
FLO R I
Cross of Liberty, 4th Class, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty, for peace-time merits
4. luokan Vapaudenristi rauhanajan ansioista
Frihetskorsets 4. klass för fredstida förtjänster-
VR 4 ra
FrK 4 fr
Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun ritarimerkki
Riddartecknet av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR K
SVR R
FVR R
Knight of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Suomen Leijonan ritarimerkki
Riddartecknet av Finlands Lejons ordenFL K
SL R
FLO R
Cross of Merit of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun ansioristi
Förtjänstkorset av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR Cm
SVR Ar
FVR Fk
Cross of Merit of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Suomen Leijonan ansioristi
Förtjänstkorset av Finlands Lejons ordenFL Cm
SL Ar
FLO Fk
Cross of Merit of the Red Cross of Finland
Suomen Punaisen Ristin ansioristi
Finlands Röda Kors’ förtjänstkors-
SPR ar
FRK fk
Medal for Life-saving
Hengenpelastus-mitali
Livräddingsmedaljen-
HPM
LRM
Finnish Olympic Cross of Merit, Second Class
Suomen Olympialaisen ansioristin 2. luokka
Finlands Olympiska förttjänstkors av 2. klass-
O ar 2
O fk 2
Medal of Liberty, 1st Class, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
1. luokan Vapaudenmitali
Frihetsmedaljens 1. klass-
VM 1
FrM 1
Medal of Merit, 1st Class, of the Cross of Liberty
Vapaudenristin 1. luokan ansiomitali
Frihetskorsets förtjänstmedalj av 1. klass-
VR Am 1
FrK Fm 1
Medal of Liberty, 2nd Class, of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
2. luokan Vapaudenmitali
Frihetsmedaljens 2. klass-
VM 2
FrM 2
Medal of Merit, 2nd Class, of the Cross of Liberty
Vapaudenristin 2. luokan ansiomitali
Frihetskorsets förtjänstmedalj av 2. klass-
VR Am 2
FrK Fm 2
Memorial Medal with Rose of the War of Independence
Vapaussodan muistomitali ruusuineen
Frihetskrigets minnesmedalj med ros-
Vs. mm rk.
Frk. mm mr
Medal, First Class with golden cross and clasp, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun I luokan mitali kultaristein ja solkineen
Medalj av I klass med guldkors och spänne av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR M I gold clasp
SVR M I kr sk.
FVR M I gk msp.
Medal, First Class with clasp, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun I luokan mitali solkineen
Medalj av I klass med spänne av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR M I clasp
SVR M I sk.
FVR M I msp.
Medal with clasp, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun mitali solkineen
Medalj med spänne av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR M clasp
SVR M sk.
FVR M msp.
Memorial Medal of the War of Independence
Vapaussodan muistomitali
Frihetskrigets minnesmedalj-
Vs. mm
Frk. mm
Memorial Medal of the war 1939-1940 (Winter War)
Vuosien 1939 – 1940 sodan (talvisodan) muistomitali
Minnesmedalj för deltagande i 1939-1940 års krig (vinterkriget)-
Ts. mm
Vk. mm
Memorial Medal of the 1941-1945 war (Continuation War)
Vuosien 1941 – 1945 sodan (jatkosodan) muistomitali
Minnesmedalj för deltagande i 1941-1945 års krig (fortsättningskriget)-
Js. mm
Fk. mm
Memorial Medal of the Mine Clearing
Miinanraivausmitali
Minröjningsmedaljen-
Mrm
Mrm
First Class Medal of the Order of the White Rose of Finland with golden cross
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun I luokan mitali kultaristein
Medalj av I klass med guldkors av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR M I gold
SVR M I kr
FVR M I gk
First Class Medal of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun I luokan mitali
Medalj av I klass av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR M I
SVR M I
FVR M I
Medal of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun mitali
Medalj av Finlands Vita Ros’ ordenFWR M
SVR M
FVR M
Medal for Military Merits
Sotilasansiomitali
Militärens förtjänstmedalj-
Sot. am
Mil. fm
Medal of Merit, in gold, of the Red Cross of Finland
Suomen Punaisen Ristin kultainen ansiomitali
Finlands Röda Kors’ förtjänstmedalj i guld-
SPR kult. am
FRK fm g.
Medal of Merit, in silver, of the Red Cross of Finland
Suomen Punaisen Ristin hopeinen ansiomitali
Finlands Röda Kors’ förtjänstmedalj i silver-
SPR hop. am
FRK fm silv.
Pro Benignitate Humana -medal
Mitali inhimillisestä auliudesta (Pro Benignitate Humana)
Hederstecknet för mänsklig barmhärtighet (Pro Benignitate Humana)-
PBH
PBH
Medal of Merit, in bronze, of the Red Cross of Finland
Suomen Punaisen Ristin pronssinen ansiomitali
Finlands Röda Kors’ förtjänstmedalj i brons-
SPR pr. am
FRK fm br.
Finnish Olympic Medal of Merit
Suomen Olympialainen ansiomitali
Finlands Olympiska förtjänstmedalj-
O am
O fm
Cross of Merit of the War Invalides
Sotainvalidien ansioristi
Krigsinvalidernas förtjänstkors-
Sotainv. ar
Krinv. fk
Cross of Merit of the Police
Poliisin ansioristi
Polisens förtjänstkors-
P ar
P fk
Cross of Merit of the Frontier Guards
Rajavartiolaitoksen ansioristi
Gränsbevakningsväsendets förtjänstkors-
RVL ar
GBV fk
Cross of Merit of the Oak Leaf Heritage Association
Tammenlehvän Perinneliiton ansioristi
Traditionsförbundet Eklövets förtjänstkors-
TaPe Ar
TrEk Fk
Cross of Merit of the Fire Defence (Fire Cross)
Palotorjunnan ansiomerkki (paloristi)
Brandvärnets förtjänstkors (brandkorset)-
PR
BK
Cross of Merit, in gold, of the Finnish Sports
Suomen liikuntakulttuurin ja urheilun kultainen ansioristi
Finlands idrottskulturs förtjänstkors i guld-
SU kult. ar
Fl fk g.
Cross of Merit, in silver, of the Finnish Sports
Suomen liikuntakulttuurin ja urheilun ansioristi
Finlands idrottskulturs förtjänstkors-
SU ar
Fl fk
Medal of Merit, First Class with clasp, of the Civil Defence
Väestönsuojelun 1. luokan ansiomitali solkineen
Förtjänstmedaljen för befolkningsskyddsarbete av 1. klass med spänne-
Vss. am 1 sk.
Bsk. fm 1 msp.
Medal of Merit, Second Class with clasp, of the Civil Defence
Väestönsuojelun 2. luokan ansiomitali solkineen
Förtjänstmedaljen för befolkningsskyddsarbete av 2. klass med spänne-
Vss. am 2 sk.
Bsk. fm 2 msp.
Medal of Merit in silver with golden cross, of the Finnish Sports
Suomen liikunta- kulttuurin ja urheilun ansiomitali kullatuin ristein
Finlands idrottskulturs förtjänstmedalj med förgyllt kors-
SU am krk.
Fl fm mgk.
Medal of Merit First Class, of the Civil Defence
Väestönsuojelun 1. luokan ansiomitali
Förtjänstmedaljen för befolkningsskyddsarbete av 1. klass-
Vss am 1
Bsk. fm 1
Medal of Merit in silver, of the Finnish Sports
Suomen liikuntakulttuurin ja urheilun ansiomitali
Finlands idrottskulturs förtjänstmedalj-
Su am
Fl fm
Medal of Merit of the Frontier Guards
Rajavartiolaitoksen ansiomitali
Gränsbevakningsväsendets förtjänstmedalj-
RVL am
GBV fm
Medal of Merit Second Class, of the Civil Defence
Väestönsuojelun 2. luokan ansiomitali
Förtjänstmedaljen för befolkningsskyddsarbete av 2. klass-
Vss. am 2
Bsk. fm 2
Medal of merit in bronze, of the Finnish SportsNo official translation provided.
Suomen Urheilun pronssinen ansiomitali
Finlands idrotts förtjänstmedalj i brons-
SU pr. am
Fl fm br.
Cross of Merit, of the Prison Administration
Vankeinhoidon ansioristi
Fångvårdens förtjänstkors-
Vh. ar
Fv. fk
Medal of merit with clasp of customs service
Tullilaitoksen ansioristi soljen kera
Tullverkets förtjänstkors med spänne-
Tulli ar sk.
Tull fk msp.
Gold Medal of Merit with clasp of the Reserve Officers Association
Suomen Reserviupseeriliiton kultainen ansiomitali solkineen
Finlands Reservofficersförbunds förtjänstmedalj i guld med spänne-
RUL am sk.
ROF fm msp.
Medal of Merit of the Association of Voluntary Defence Guilds
Kilta-ansiomitali
Försvarsgillenas förtjänstmedalj-
Kilta am
FG fm
Medal of merit of customs service
Tullilaitoksen ansioristi
Tullverkets förtjänstkors-
Tulli ar
Tull fk
Cross of merit with clasp of Reservists’ association
Reserviläisliitto – Reservin Aliupseerien Liiton ansioristi solkineen
Reservistförbundet – Reservunderofficersförbundets förtjänstkors med spänne-
RAUL ar sk.
RuOF fk msp.
Medal of Merit with clasp of the Association of the Warrant Officers’
Päällystöliiton ansiomitali soljen kera
Befälsförbundets förtjänstmedalj med spänne-
PL am sk.
BF fm msp.
Gold Medal of Merit of the Reserve Officers Association
Suomen Reserviupseeriliiton kultainen ansiomitali
Finlands Reservofficersförbunds förtjänstmedalj i guld-
RUL am
ROF fm
Cross of merit of Reservists’ association
Reserviläisliitto – Reservin Aliupseerien Liiton ansioristi
Reservistförbundet – Reservunderofficersförbundets förtjänstkors-
RAUL ar
RuOF fk
Medal of Merit of the Association of the Warrant Officers
Päällystöliiton ansiomitali
Befälsförbundets förtjänstmedalj-
PL am
BF fm
Medal of Merit of the Engineerin Officers’ Association
Insinööriupseeriliiton ansiomitali
Ingenjörofficersförbundets förtjänstmedalj-
IUL am
IOF fm
Medal of Merit of the Cadet Corps
Kadettikunnan ansiomitali
Kadettkårens förtjänstmedalj-
KK am
KK fm
The medal of merit of traffic safety branch
Liikenneturvallisuus-alan ansiomitali
Förtjänstmedalj för trafiksäkerhetsarbete-
Lt am
Ts fm
The special medal of merit of work for working environment
Työympäristötyön erityisansiomitali
Specialförtjänstmedalj för arbetsmiljöarbete-
Tyt am
Ama fm
Medal of Merit, in gold, of the Police
Poliisin kullattu ansiomitali
Polisens förgyllda förtjänstmedalj-
P am
P fm
Medal of Merit of motor traffic branch
Moottoriliikenteen ansiomitali
Förtjänstmedalj för motorfordonstrafikarbete-
Ml am
Mt fm

Memorial Crosses and Memorial Medals of the War of Independence, Winter War, and Continuation War and other Crosses of Merit and Medals of Merit of patriotic activity in chronological order.

The list of the other Crosses and Medals of Merit of patriotic activity authorised for wear in a military uniform and their order of precedence is presented by the Finnish Defence Forces. Of the following national level patriotic organisations, only the highest decoration awarded by the same organisation is carried; note that some are approved into the official awards order of precedence above and are to be carried according to it:

Name
In English, Finnish, and SwedishAbbreviation8986th, 87th and 88th are the War of Independence, Winter War and Continuation War decorations as explained above.90919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109
Civil Guard Crosses of Merit and Medal of MeritNo official translation provided.Awarding of this decoration has ended.
Suojeluskuntain ansioristit ja -mitali
Skyddskårernas förtjänstkors och -medaljtitle=KUNNIAMERKKIEN JA ULKOMAALAISTEN RITARIKUNTIEN LYHENTEIDEN SELITTEETpublisher=Mannerheim-ristin ritarien säätiöaccess-date=5 November 2025url=http://www.mannerheim-ristinritarit.fi/files/203/KUNNIAMERKKIEN_JA_ULKOMAALAISTEN_RITARIKUNTIEN_LYHENTEIDEN_SELITTEET.pdflanguage=fiarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118173145/http://www.mannerheim-ristinritarit.fi/files/203/KUNNIAMERKKIEN_JA_ULKOMAALAISTEN_RITARIKUNTIEN_LYHENTEIDEN_SELITTEET.pdfarchive-date=18 January 2025url-status=live}}
-
Lotta Svärd Cross of Merit and Medal of Merit
Lotta Svärd -järjestön ansioristi ja -mitali
Lotta Svärd-organisationens förtjänstkors och -medalj-
Abbreviation unavailable.
Crosses of Merit of the Disabled War Veterans' Association of Finland
Sotainvalidien Veljesliiton ansioristit
Krigsinvalidernas Brödraförbundets förtjänstkors-
Sotainv ar
-
title=Commodore Jukka Anteroinenpublisher=Finnish Defence Forcesaccess-date=5 November 2025url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/about-us/general-officers/jukka-anteroinenarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241013065111/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/about-us/general-officers/jukka-anteroinenarchive-date=13 October 2024url-status=live}} '*
Suomen Sotaveteraaniliiton ansioristit, ansiomitali ja mitali
*Finlands Krigsveteranförbundets förtjänstkors, förtjänstmedalj och medalj''-
Sotavet ar/Sotavet am/Sotavet m
-
Cross of Merit of the Union of Front Veteran Soldiers in Finland
Rintamaveteraaniliiton kunniaristi
Frontveteranernas förbundets förtjänstkors-
Cross of Merit and Medal of Merit of the Association of Women on the Front Line
Rintamanaisten liiton ansioristi ja -mitali
Frontkvinnornas förbundets förtjänstkors och -medalj-
Cross of Merit of the Soldiers' Home Association
Sotilaskotiliiton ansioristi
Soldathemsförbundets förtjänstkors-
Blue Cross
Sininen Risti
Blå Kors-
SR
-
Medals of Merit of the Finnish Officers' Union
Upseeriliiton ansiomitalit
Officersförbundets förtjänstmedaljer-
UL am
-
Medal of Merit of the Finnish Medical Officers' Union
Lääkintäupseeriliiton ansiomitali
Sanitetsofficersförbundets förtjänstmedalj-
Medals of Merit of the Finnish Non-Commissioned Officers' Union
Aliupseeriliiton ansiomitalit
Underofficersförbundets förtjänstmedaljer-
Medal of Merit of the National Defence Personnel Union
Maanpuolustuksen Henkilökuntaliiton ansiomitali
Landsförsvarets Personalförbundets förtjänstmedalj-
Crosses of Merit and Medals of Merit of the Peacekeepers’ Association Finland
Suomen Rauhanturvaajaliiton ansioristit ja mitalit
Finlands Fredsbevararförbundets förtjänstkors och -medaljer-
SRTL Ar I/SRTL Ar II/SRTL kam/SRTL
Medals of Merit of the National Defence Training Association of Finland
Maanpuolustuskoulutusyhdistyksen ansiomitalit
Försvarsutbildningsföreningens förtjänstmedaljer-
MPK k am mk/MPK k am/MPK h am/MPK r am
-
Silver and Bronze Medal of Merit of the Reserve Officers AssociationGold Medal of Merit with clasp and Gold Medal of Merit are 71st and 76th, respectively.
Suomen Reserviupseeriliiton hopeinen ja pronssinen ansiomitali
Finlands Reservofficersförbunds förtjänstmedalj i silver och brons-
RUL ham/RUL pam
-
Medals of Merit of Reservists’ AssociationCross of merit with clasp and Cross of merit are 74th and 77th, respectively.
Reserviläisliiton ansiomitalit
Reservistförbundets förtjänstmedaljer-
RES kam/RES ham/RES pam/RES ErAm
-
Silver and Bronze Cross of the Association of Voluntary Defence GuildsMedal of Merit is 72nd.
Maanpuolustuskiltojen liiton hopeinen ja pronssinen kiltaristi
Försvarsgillenas förbundets gillekors i silver och brons-
Cross of Merit and Medals of Merit of the Finnish Women's National Defence Organization
Maanpuolustusnaisten liiton ansioristi ja -mitalit
Förbundet för försvarskvinnor i Finland förtjänstkors och -medaljer-
title=Commodore Janne Huuskopublisher=Finnish Defence Forcesaccess-date=5 November 2025url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/commodore-janne-huuskoarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125095456/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/commodore-janne-huuskoarchive-date=25 January 2025url-status=live}} with swords, National Defence Medal with gold or silver clasp'*
Maanpuolustusmitali miekkojen kera, maanpuolustusmitali kultaisella ja hopeisella soljella
*Försvarsmedalj med svärd, försvarsmedalj med guldspänne eller silverspänne''-
Mpm mk/Mpm ksk/Mpm hsk
-
Cross of Merit of the Finnish Civil Defence Association
Suomen Väestönsuojelun ansioristi
Finlands befolkningsskydds förtjänstkors-
SVJ ar
-
Crosses of Merit and Medals of Merit of the Finnish National Rescue Association
Suomen Pelastusalan Keskusjärjestön ansioristit ja -mitalit
Räddningsbranschens Centralorganisation i Finland förtjänstkors och -medaljer-
SPEK E Ar I/SPEK E Ar/SPEK Ar I/SPEK Ar/SPEK Am I/SPEK Am
-

In continuation to the above list, a maximum of two, of the following approved list of service and training branch and patriotic organisation decorations, may be carried in military uniform after the decorations listed above, in order of personal preference:

Name
In English, Finnish, and SwedishAbbreviation110-111
No official translation provided.
Ali-, Toimi- ja Opistoupseerien Perinneyhdistyksen perinnemitali
-
Abbreviation unavailable.
Autojoukkojen killan ansiomitali
-
Autojoukkokiltojen liiton automiesristi
-
Etelä-Hämeen Reserviläispiirin ansioristi tai -mitali
-
Hakkapeliittayhdistyksen ansiomitali
-
title=Major General Jari Mikkonenpublisher=Finnish Defence Forcesaccess-date=5 November 2025url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/about-us/general-officers/jari-mikkonenarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211073420/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/about-us/general-officers/jari-mikkonenarchive-date=11 December 2024url-status=live}}'*
Huoltoupseeriyhdistyksen Huollon ansioristi
*Underhållets förtjänstkors''-
title=Brigadier General Sami Takamaapublisher=Finnish Defence Forcesaccess-date=5 November 2025url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/brigadier-general-sami-antti-takamaaarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612152111/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/brigadier-general-sami-antti-takamaaarchive-date=12 June 2025url-status=live}}'*
Ilmatorjunta-ansioristi
*Luftvärnets förtjänstkors''-
Cross of Merit of the Air Force
Ilmavoimien ansioristi
Flygvapnets förtjänstkors-
Ilmavoimien Kiltaliiton kiltaristi tai kiltamitali
-
title=Brigadier General Manu Tuominenpublisher=Finnish Defence Forcesaccess-date=5 November 2025url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/tuominen-manu-petteri-curriculum-vitaearchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913222532/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/tuominen-manu-petteri-curriculum-vitaearchive-date=13 September 2024url-status=live}}'*
Jalkaväen säätiön Jalkaväen ansioristi
*Infanteriets förtjänstkors''-
Jv ar
-
Karjalan Kaartin - Prikaatin Killan ansioristi
-
Kymen Jääkäripataljoonan Killan ansiomitali
-
Laivaston Killan ansioristi
Flottans Gilles förtjänstmedalj-
Laskuvarjojääkärikillan kiltaristi
-
National Defence Medal with bronze clasp Upper grades are 106th.
Maanpuolustusmitali pronssisella soljella
Försvarsmedalj med bronsspänne-
Mpm psk
-
Cross of Merit of the Navy
Merivoimien ansioristi
Marinens förtjänstkors-
Nylands Brigads Gille r.f. ansiomitali
Nylands Brigads Gilles Förtjänstmedalj-
Panssarikillan ansioristi tai -mitali
-
title=Brigadier General Pekka Turunenpublisher=Finnish Defence Forcesaccess-date=5 November 2025url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/brigadier-general-pekka-turunenarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430212940/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/brigadier-general-pekka-turunennarchive-date=30 April 2025url-status=live}}'''
Pioneeriaselajin liiton, Helsingin Reserviupseerien Pioneeriosaston ja Pioneerisäätiön-
Pirkanmaan Viestikillan ansiomitali
-
Pohjois-Karjalan Prikaatin Killan ansioristi
-
title=Statutespublisher=Board of the Nordic Veteran Federationsaccess-date=5 November 2025url=https://danmarksveteraner.dk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Afsnit-06.00-The-Board-of-Nordic-Veteran-Federations-Medal-of-Honour.pdfarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503035947/https://danmarksveteraner.dk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Afsnit-06.00-The-Board-of-Nordic-Veteran-Federations-Medal-of-Honour.pdfarchive-date=3 May 2025url-status=live}}'*
Pohjoismainen Veteraaniansiomitali (ent. Pohjoismainen Sinibarettiansiomitali)
*BNVF Medalj''-
Porin Rykmentin - Porin Prikaatin killan ansioristi
-
Raja- ja Merivartiojoukkojen Perinneyhdistyksen Merivartioristi
Gräns- och Sjöbevakningstruppernas Traditionsförbundets Sjöbevakningskorset-
Rakuunakillan ansiomitali
-
Rannikkojääkärikillan ansiomitali
Kustjägargillets förtjänstmedalj-
Coastal Defence Medal
Rannikon Puolustajain Killan ansiomitali
Kustförsvarsgillets förtjänstmedalj-
Ratsumieskillan ansiomitali
-
Cavalry Cross of Merit
Ratsuväen ansioristi
Kavalleriets förtjänstkors-
Reserviläisurheiluliiton ansiomitalit
-
Reserviratsastajat ry:n Reservin Ratsastajamitali
-
Cross of Merit or Medal of Merit of The Finnish Naval Reserve
Sininen Reservi ry:n ansioristi tai ansiomitali
Marinreservens förtjänststeck och förtjänstmedalj-
Sotavainajien muiston vaalimisyhdistyksen sotavainajamitali
-
Sotilasmusiikkikillan sotilasmusiikkiristi
-
Sotilaspoikien perinneliiton Sotilaspoikaristi
Soldatgossarnas Traditionsförbundets Soldatsgossekors-
Spoikar
-
Military Intelligence Cross of Merit
Sotilastiedustelun ansioristi
Underrättelsetjänstens förtjänstkors-
Stadin Sissien Sissiansiomitali
-
Suomenlahden Laivastokillan ansioristi tai risti
-
Suomen Lottaperinneliitto ry:n ansioristi
-
TK- Tiedotuskillan sotilastiedotuksen ansiomitali
-
Topografikillan risti
-
Turun Laivastokillan ansioristi
-
Tykkimiehet ry:n Tykkimiesmitali
-
Uudenmaan Jääkäripataljoonan killan ansiomitali
-
Vapaussodan Invalidien Muistosäätiön Lottamuistomitali
-
Varsinais-Suomen Reserviläispiirien ansiomitali
-
Veteraanivastuun ansioristi
-
title=Brigadier General Jarmo Vähätiittopublisher=Finnish Defence Forcesaccess-date=5 November 2025url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/brigadier-general-jarmo-vahatiittoarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241015225342/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/brigadier-general-jarmo-vahatiittoarchive-date=15 October 2024url-status=live}}'*
Viestikiltojen Liitto ry:n Viestiristi
*Signalkorset''-
Österbottens Försvarsgille - Pohjanmaan Maanpuolustuskillan ansioristi
Österbottens Försvarsgilles förtjänstkors-

Crosses and Medals of Merit, which would otherwise fall in the above category of patriotic activity, but are not listed, are to be treated as unofficial decorations in regard to carrying them in military uniform.

Service medals of UN, NATO and EU are carried after all Finnish decorations, including the Finnish International Service Medal, with the meritorius service medals of the international organisations before the standard service medals:

Name
In English, Finnish, and SwedishAbbreviation112113114115116117118
International Service MedalNo official translation provided.Clasps denote operations participated.
Kansainvälisen palveluksen muistomitali
-
Abbreviation unavailable.
Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal
Kapteeni Mbaye Diagne -mitali
Kapten Mbaye Diagne -medalj-
UN MedalsIn order from the oldest operation to the newest, by the beginning date of the entire operation.
YK-mitalit
FN-medaljer-
NATO Meritorious Service Medal
NATOn ansiomitali
NATO-förtjänstmedalj-
NATO Medals
NATO-mitalit
NATO-medaljer-
EU Common Security and Defence Policy Medal for Extraordinary Meritorious Service
EU:n yhteisen turvallisuus- ja puolustuspolitiikan ansiomitali
EU:s gemensamma säkerhets- och försvarspolitiks förtjänstmedalj-
EU Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medals
EU:n yhteisen turvallisuus- ja puolustuspolitiikan muistomitalit
EU:s gemensamma säkerhets- och försvarspolitiks minnesmedaljer-

After the above lists (i.e. official decorations and Memorial Crosses and Memorial Medals of the War of Independence, Winter War, and Continuation War and other Crosses of Merit and Medals of Merit of patriotic activity) are to be carried the semi-official decorations, although they aren't authorised to be worn in military uniform, except for events of the awarding party. The order of precedence of them is:

Name
In English, Finnish, and SwedishAbbreviation119120121122123124125126127128129130
Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Lamb
Pyhän Karitsan suurristin komentajamerkki
--
PKR SR
-
Commander, First Class, of the Order of the Holy Lamb
Pyhän Karitsan 1. luokan komentajamerkki
--
PKR K I
-
Commander, Second Class, of the Order of the Holy Lamb
Pyhän Karitsan 2. luokan komentajamerkki
--
PKR K II
-
Knight/Member, First Class, of the Order of the Holy LambLaymen are called knights, whereas clergy members.
Pyhän Karitsan 1. luokan ritarimerkki/jäsen
--
PKR R I
-
Knight/Member, Second Class, of the Order of the Holy Lamb
Pyhän Karitsan 2. luokan ritarimerkki/jäsen
--
PKR R II
-
Medal, First Class, of the Order of the Holy Lamb
Pyhän Karitsan 1. luokan mitali
--
PKR M I
-
Medal, Second Class, of the Order of the Holy Lamb
Pyhän Karitsan 2. luokan mitali
--
PKR M II
-
Saint Henry CrossNo official translation provided.
Pyhän Henrikin risti
Sankt Henrikskorset-
PHR
-
Mikael Agricola Cross
Mikael Agricolan risti
Mikael Agricolakorset-
MAR
-
Pro Ecclesia Medal
Pro ecclesia -mitali
Pro ecclesia -medaljen-
Abbreviation unavailable.
Medals of Merit of the Finnish Economic Society
Suomen Talousseuran ansiomitalit
Finska Hushållningssällskapets medalj-
-
Medals of Merit of the Finland Chamber of Commerce
Keskuskauppakamarin ansiomerkit
Centralhandelskammarens förtjänststecken-
-

In addition to the semi-official decorations, certain other decorations are authorised to be worn akin to the semi-official decorations alongside the official decorations (except for military personnel):

Name
In English, Finnish, and SwedishAbbreviation131132133
Medals of Merit of the Association of Finnish Cities
Suomen Kaupunkiliiton ansiomerkit
Finlands Stadsförbunds förtjänststecken-
-
Medals of Merit of the Association of Finnish Municipalities
Suomen Kunnallisliiton ansiomerkit
Finlands Kommunförbunds förtjänststecken-
-
Helsinki Medal
Helsinki-mitali
Helsingforsmedalj-
-

Unofficial decorations are carried after the semi-official decorations and only in events of the awarding party.

Foreign decorations are carried after the semi-official decorations in French alphabetical order of the countries, although military personnel need to apply for permit for each foreign decoration from the Defence Command Personnel Division to be allowed to carry them.

Titles

Although a republic, Finland has a tradition of awarding titles for distinguished citizens. The available titles are listed in the presidential decree on titles (381/2000). The titles are classified in 16 categories of precedence. The two highest titles are valtioneuvos/statsråd (literal translation ) and vuorineuvos/bergsråd (literal translation ). The former is usually awarded to most distinguished, retired politicians, while the latter is meant for the CEOs of the largest Finnish companies. Less distinguished titles span different walks of life. Curiosities include liikenneneuvos (), kotiseutuneuvos () and nuorisoasiainneuvos (). In total, there are about 100 different titles. A Finnish title is purely honorary, causing no responsibilities and giving no privileges. All Finnish titles are non-hereditary.

Typically, the titles are awarded by the president. There are some exceptions, however. The chief judge of a district court may award the title of herastuomari () to a lay judge with a long service. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the Finnish Orthodox Church, on the other hand, have the right to award the titles of director cantus and director musices. Yearly, the president awards over 200 titles on the advice of the titles' board. The awards take place twice a year: in March and in September.

In addition to honorary titles awarded by the President, certain honorary titles are awarded ex officio to state civil servants in leading positions. For example, the managers or section chiefs of several state research institutes automatically hold the title of professori ("professor"), if they are qualified for tenured faculty position in a university.

A stamp tax is paid for a title. The tax varies with the rank of the title and can be quite substantial for the higher titles. Customarily the organization that proposes the title pays the tax.

References

References

  1. [http://ritarikunnat.fi/index.php/fi/kunniamerkit/teemat/159-miekkojen-kera Miekkojen kera]. Ritarikuntien kanslia. Retrieved 2015-07-25. {{in lang. fi
  2. [http://www.ritarikunnat.fi/muut_viralliset_kunniamerkit.asp Ritarikunnat. Muut viralliset kunniamerkit] {{webarchive. link. (2007-08-21 Retrieved 9-6-2004.)
  3. "Finland’s state honours system from independence to the start of the Winter War (1918–1939)".
  4. "Muut kunnia- ja ansiomerkit". Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun ja Suomen Leijonan ritarikunnat.
  5. "Mitkä ovat kunniamerkkien nimet ruotsiksi ja englanniksi?". Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun ja Suomen Leijonan ritarikunnat.
  6. "Tammenlehvän perinneliiton ansioristi ja kunniamerkkien keskinäinen järjestys". Vapaudenristin ritarikunta.
  7. "Kunniamerkkien keskinäinen järjestys". Vapaudenristin ritarikunta.
  8. (23 January 2020). "Pääesikunnan määräys HQ69 KUNNIA- JA ANSIOMERKKIEN KANTAMINEN". Finnish Defence Forces.
  9. "Use with different forms of attire". Order of the Cross of Liberty.
  10. "KUNNIAMERKKIEN JA ULKOMAALAISTEN RITARIKUNTIEN LYHENTEIDEN SELITTEET". Mannerheim-ristin ritarien säätiö.
  11. "Commodore Jukka Anteroinen". Finnish Defence Forces.
  12. Anaja, Markus. (2021). "Protokollaopas maanpuolustajalle". Sotilasperinteen seura.
  13. "Maanpuolustuskoulutusyhdistyksen mitalien säännöt". National Defence Training Association of Finland.
  14. "Ansiomerkit". Finnish Reserve Officers’ Federation.
  15. "Commodore Janne Huusko". Finnish Defence Forces.
  16. "Suomen Pelastusalan Keskusjärjestön ansiomerkit". Finnish National Rescue Association.
  17. "Major General Jari Mikkonen". Finnish Defence Forces.
  18. "Brigadier General Sami Takamaa". Finnish Defence Forces.
  19. "Brigadier General Manu Tuominen". Finnish Defence Forces.
  20. "Brigadier General Pekka Turunen". Finnish Defence Forces.
  21. "Statutes". Board of the Nordic Veteran Federations.
  22. "Brigadier General Jarmo Vähätiitto". Finnish Defence Forces.
  23. (2024). "Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun ja Suomen Leijonan ritarikunnat : kunniamerkkiopas". The Order of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland.
  24. "Muut kunnia- ja ansiomerkit". The Order of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland.
  25. [https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/581 Käräjäoikeuslaki (581/1993)] {{in lang. fi
  26. [https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1054 Kirkkolaki (1054/1993)] {{in lang. fi
  27. [https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/2006/985 Laki ortodoksisesta kirkkokunnasta (985/2006)] {{in lang. fi
  28. The whole section is based on [http://www.vnk.fi/toiminta/arvonimet/fi.jsp The Council of State webpage on titles] and its subpages, retrieved 9-6-2007. {{in lang. fi
  29. [http://www.professoriliitto.fi/uploads/1yo5xq1wvlwiu.pdf Autio, V.-M. Professorin viran ja arvon kehitys Suomessa]. Published in ''Suomen professorit 1640–2007''. Retrieved in 2009-10-01. {{in lang. fi
Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

orders,-decorations,-and-medals-of-finland
Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about Orders, decorations, and medals of Finland — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report