The Order of the Lion of Finland was founded on September 11, 1942. It was introduced in an effort to preserve the prestige of the Order of the White Rose of Finland, which could have been diminished if granted too frequently, and to facilitate the awarding of honours for various types of merit. The Lion of Finland is awarded for civilian and military merit. The ribbon for all classes of insignia is dark red.

The classes of the Order of the Lion of Finland are:

Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland

Commander, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland

Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland

Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland

Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland

Knight of the Order of the Lion of Finland

Cross of Merit of the Order of the Lion of Finland

The President of Finland wears the Star of the Order of the Lion of Finland.

History of knighthood

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