Mikael Agricola is known as the father of Finnish literature and a reformist, perhaps starting the Finns’ journey towards independence. His most famous writings include the ABC spelling book in Finnish in 1543 and a prayer book that includes information such as a calendar, astrology and hygiene information.

His life’s ambition was to translate the Bible into the Finnish language. He succeeded in completing the New Testament over a 20-year period but didn’t complete the Old Testament before his death at about 47 years of age.

Since 1960, Finns have been raising their flags on April 9 each year in honor of Agricola’s death on this date in 1557.

Agricola spent most of his years in Turku both studying and eventually becoming the bishop of Turku.

This was during the time of Swedish rule when the national language was Swedish.