A journey into nature through the Moomin stories

Whether it’s with words or illustrations, delicate or powerful, throughout the Moomin stories, nature is always described with awe and respect – and that is how the Moomins treat it. In many ways, the Moomin stories are like love letters to nature.

“Oh, to be a Moomin and to dance in the waves while the sun gets up! The night was forgotten and a long June day lay before them.”

Finn Family Moomintroll (1948)

In the different stories, the Moomin family and their friends confront many extremes of nature: storms, floods, natural disasters, and even comets. Through it all, the Moomins love their precious valley and stay curious about the forests and the sea around it, continuously setting out on journeys of exploration – filled with excitement, one with nature.

“He thought about how much he loved everything, the forest and the sea, the rain and the wind, the sunshine, the grass and the moss, and how impossible it would be to live without them all…”

Comet in Moominland (1946)

Nature symbolising life and identity

In the novel Moominpappa at Sea (1965), the power of the autumn sea can be seen as a reflection of the changing seasons of life, or one’s own nature.

“You see, my idea is to discover what secret rules the sea obeys. I must if I’m going to learn to like it.” 

Moominpappa in Moominpappa at Sea (1965)

It’s almost like by understanding the strong sea, Moominpappa tries to control it, and perhaps even himself. He speaks of the sea as “an enemy worth fighting”, which could reflect getting to know oneself and the challenge of figuring life out. 

In the end, he grows to accept the sea, in all its contradictions, which is a beautiful example of how stories about nature can be nterpreted as self-discovery.

The Finnish archipelago as inspiration

Much of the inspiration for Moominvalley and the nature surrounding it stems from the Finnish archipelago. Spending time in nature and going for weekends at summer cottages by lakes or the sea is a big part of the Finnish lifestyle. 

Tove Jansson spent a great deal of time in the archipelago, especially the island of Klovharun, which had a monumental influence on Moominvalley and how the Moomins live their lives.

Similarly, the Finnish winter can be harsh, so it makes sense that the Moomins hibernate. In the novel Moominland Midwinter (1957), Moomintroll wakes up and hates the cold season, but learns to live with it. For small moments, there is an appreciation for the quiet snow and sparkling Northern lights.

Piironki x Moomin linen collection 2023

Every magical winter is followed by a summer full of wonder…

The 2023 Piironki x Moomin linen collection is inspired by Tove Jansson’s illustrations of nature – as sensitive and beautiful, as well as mysterious and unpredictable. Linen is a timeless, natural material that goes perfectly with the collection’s theme. 

Many of the nature illustrations throughout the Moomin books show the characters as small figures in the big world around them. Storms rolling in from afar and gulls rising in the air all have a role to play in Tove Jansson’s work. The wind and waves, with the Moomin characters, breathe together in harmony in the sensitive brushstrokes. 

The Piironki x Moomin linen collection is a tribute to nature, natural forces – and summer. It’s for the warm season, when every morning whispers promises of summer outings with loved ones.

The collection includes simple and comfortable clothing, tote bags and pouches, storage solutions, and pillow covers – everything you need for memorable moments both at home and on summer adventures. 

With the beautiful theme of nature and its significance in the Moomin stories, these items also make great housewarming gifts or tokens of friendship and gratitude. 

This year, let’s enjoy nature as the Moomins do, full of wonder and awe!