I AM  NOT BLUE - ESTONIAN BLUE

Expressing emotions is not typically accepted among Estonian people. Being reserved and not openly showing your state—whether happiness, sadness, problems, or joy—is common.Emotions are consideredpersonal and intimate, accessible only to the closest people you trust. The fear of judgment has also left its mark. Therefore, if you see someone with a sad expression, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are unhappy. They might be the happiest person in the world and an interesting conversationalist, but you need to earn their trust and show that you’re not a threat. Hiding emotions acts as a mask and protection from a harsh world and the fear of being hurt or misunderstood.

As a northern people, Estonians are generally not very expressive. People maintain a calm, and sometimes even somber, expression, but that doesn’t mean they are unhappy. Estonians are a happy people, but it’s simply not customary in their culture to express emotions and feelings openly. Reservedness and detachment are key traits in the Estonian mentality. Yet, even if an Estonian appears stern on the outside, they are kind-hearted inside. Estonians are empathetic, hardworking, and modest. A reserved nature adds an element of mystery, inviting others to get to know the person behind the serious exterior.

Styling and Creative Direction : Inesa Kupratsevich

Photography : Milana Serk