【明報專訊】Eason sees candles being lit everywhere in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. He even hears the Smarties singing Happy Birthday! Who are they singing for?

“ MoMo, Pat: Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you… ”

“ Dr Panda, Pat: H...py …ir…ay to I…N… ap… b…d…y to …u! ”

“ Eason: Did they sing "happy birthday to Eason"? They must be celebrating my birthday in advance!”

“ Eason: Allow me to remind you that my birthday is in March, but I appreciate your kindness! Now where's my birthday cake? ”

“ Dr Panda: We're celebrating the birthday of Finland! ”

“ MoMo: He might have misheard "Finland" as "Eason". ”

“ Pat: What a narcissist! ”

■Culture tips

Finland's Independence Day

Finland declared independence from the Russian Empire on 6 December 1917 and today marks the centenary of it. At 2 pm on the eve of the Independence Day, people enjoy coffee and cakes with blue and white icing. The official celebrations kick off at 6 pm that night, when blue and white lights are on and the Finnish flag is flown on every flagpole. In observance of the Independence Day, Finnish families traditionally light two candles in every window of their home in the evening.

■English highway﹕Kick off

The phrasal verb "kick off" means to start a discussion, a meeting, an event, etc.

e.g. The match kicks off at three o'clock.

■Glossary

appreciate (v) 感謝

narcissist (n) 自戀者

centenary (n) 百周年紀念

observance (n) 紀念/慶祝(節日等)

[Smarties' Power English 第201期]