200 Years since the Birth of J.L. Runeberg 14.1.2004

Johan Ludvig Runeberg (5 February 1804 – 6 May 1877) was a Finno-Swedish lyric and epic poet. He is the national poet of Finland and the author of the lyrics to Vårt land (Our Land, Maamme in Finnish) that became the Finnish National Anthem. Runeberg was also involved in the modernization of the Finnish Lutheran hymnal and produced many texts for the new edition.

Runeberg Day (Runebergin päivä) is celebrated annually on February 5, the day of Runeberg's birth. A pastry flavored with almonds called Runeberg's torte (Finnish: Runebergintorttu; Swedish: Runebergstårta) is generally available in stores from the beginning of January until February 5.

There is a statue of Johan Ludwig Runeberg by his son Walter Runeberg is located on Esplanadi in the heart of Helsinki.

Runeberg was selected as the main motif of the Finnish commemorative coin, the €10 Johan Ludvig Runeberg and Finnish Poetry commemorative coin. It was minted in 2004 celebrating the 200th anniversary of his birth. The obverse of the coin features a stylized portrait of Runeberg's face. The reverse features an 1831 font sample from the Swedish language newspaper Helsingfors Tidningar, since Runeberg wrote most of his work in Swedish.

Thank you Merja.