The current declaration of Christmas truce is based on a letter of command from Queen Christina in 1640. The content of the Christmas Truce declaration has varied over the centuries. In the 19th century, declarations may still have included a precise list of offences and the amount of the fine. In the 1930s, when the Christmas Truce was removed from the law - the text was amended to include wording on ”aggravating circumstances”.
The basis for the proclamation of Christmas peace is found in the Bible and the angels' Peace in the land -on Christmas Eve. The proclamation has long been part of the maintenance of social order. The Church was a key player at the time. After the declaration of Christmas peace, trading and all other daily work ceased. Sentences for offences committed during the Christmas period were harsher than at other times. For example, the suspension of warfare for Christmas has been an unwritten rule and a legacy since the Middle Ages in Christian countries.
Although the Christmas Truce proclamation threatens harsher penalties than usual for offences committed during the Truce, the Truce has had no legal significance since 1889.
Finnish law has not known ”aggravating circumstances during Christmas” for decades. The proclamation therefore does not apply when determining penalties. In other words, the violation of the Christmas peace is not a ”aggravating circumstance”.
The Christmas Truce was first proclaimed in Turku at the end of the 1200s. Over the years, there have only been a few times when Christmas peace has not been declared. In 1917, when there was a militia uprising in Turku, and at Christmas 1939 during the Winter War.
DECLARATION OF CHRISTMAS PEACE
Tomorrow, God willing,
is the gracious celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour;
and therefore hereby declare a general Christmas truce by calling for.
all to celebrate this feast with appropriate devotion
and otherwise behave quietly and calmly,
For he who breaks this peace, and celebrates Christmas with any thing.
harasses you with illegal or inappropriate behaviour,
is guilty, under aggravating circumstances, of
to the penalty provided for by law and regulations for each offence.
and make specific provision for the infringement. Finally, the City of
a joyful Christmas celebration for all residents.
Article by Lawyer Tuula Rainto, Amos Law Firm. You can always call him free of charge on 010 299 5090. You can consult our price list Here
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