Finnish Christmas postage stamps: The Star boys’ singing procession
The 1975 Christmas postage stamp displays a scenery from Star boys’ procession, a musical play known as Tiernapojat in Finnish. It is an established and cherished Christmas tradition organized in many schools, kindergartens, and elsewhere. And it is broadcast every Christmas on the radio and television.
1975 Finland - Christmas postage stamp
Especially strong the tradition is in Oulu area in northwestern Finland, where the play started in late 19th century. The legend tells that some students in old Oulu were in need of some extra cash and put together a Christmas pageant with singing, costumes and dialogue that had its roots in the Medieval mystery play.
The Finnish version contains non-biblical elements such as king Herod vanquishing the “king of the Moors”, and a short song of praise to Russian tsar Alexander.
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