Saint Urho’s Day In Americans 2024

Raise a glass to the vibrant spirit of Saint Urho’s Day in Americans’ hearts. Explore the whimsy, courage, and contagious laughter that define this Finnish-inspired celebration and make it a unique cultural phenomenon.

Read also:

• Latest Events and Festivals

QUICK FACTS

• Date: March 16th
• Main Components: Wearing purple and green, eating Finnish foods, drinking grape wine or beer, reciting poems and songs, celebrating Finnish heritage
• Popularity: Mostly celebrated by Finnish Americans in the Upper Midwest, especially Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin
• Pairings: Often paired with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17
• Variations: Different communities have their own ways of celebrating, such as parades, dances, concerts, art shows, and drag competitions

Introduction

Have you ever heard of Saint Urho, the fictional saint who drove away the grasshoppers from Finland and saved the grape crop? If you are a Finnish American, or if you live in the Upper Midwest, you might have seen people wearing purple and green, eating fish soup and pulla nisu, drinking grape wine or beer, and singing the Ballad of St. Urho on March 16. These are some of the traditions that mark Saint Urho’s Day, a festive celebration of Finnish-American folklore and identity.

Saint Urho’s Day is often compared and contrasted with Saint Patrick’s Day, the Irish celebration of the saint who drove away the snakes from Ireland. Both saints are said to have performed miraculous feats with their powerful voices, and both are honored with colorful costumes, food, drinks, and music. However, while Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated across the United States and the world, Saint Urho’s Day is mostly a regional phenomenon, popular among the Finnish-American communities in the Upper Midwest, especially in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

In this article, we will explore the origins, development, and significance of Saint Urho’s Day as a cultural expression of Finnish-American identity. We will trace the beginnings of the legend to a humorous prank in the 1950s, and show how it evolved into a festive celebration over the years. We will also highlight the various activities and traditions that mark Saint Urho’s Day, and how different communities celebrate it in their own ways. Finally, we will analyze the reasons why Saint Urho’s Day became so popular and meaningful among Finnish Americans, and how it reflects their heritage, humor, resilience, and pride.

Related: Remembrance Day of the Latvian Legionnaires 2023

Origins of Saint Urho’s Day

The legend of Saint Urho was invented in 1956 by Richard Mattson, a department store manager in Virginia, Minnesota, who was of Finnish descent. He came up with the story as a joke, to tease his Irish co-worker, Gene McCavic, who was boasting about Saint Patrick’s Day. Mattson claimed that there was a Finnish saint who was even greater than Saint Patrick, and that he had driven away the grasshoppers from Finland with his voice, saving the grape crop. He also said that Saint Urho’s Day was celebrated on March 16, the day before Saint Patrick’s Day.

McCavic was amused by Mattson’s story, and helped him spread the legend through a poem titled “Ode to Saint Urho”, which was published in the local newspaper, the Mesabi Daily News, on March 15, 1956. The poem read:

Ooksi kooksi coolama vee Saint Urho is the boy for me He chased the grasshoppers away And saved the Finn’s balatial hay

So let us all be Finnish And celebrate Saint Urho’s Day And wear the colors of the flag The Poiple and the Green

The poem was a hit, and many people enjoyed the humorous and whimsical tale of Saint Urho. However, the legend was not complete yet. It was further developed by Sulo Havumäki, a Finnish-American professor of education and psychology at Bemidji State University, who added more details to the story. He gave the saint the name Urho, which means brave in Finnish, and he changed the date of the celebration to March 16, to make it more distinct from Saint Patrick’s Day. He also introduced the Finnish words “Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen”, which mean “Grasshopper, grasshopper, go to Hell”, as the phrase that Saint Urho used to scare away the bugs.

Havumäki wrote an essay titled “The Creation of the Saint Urho Legend” in 1964, in which he explained his role in the legend. He also claimed that he had heard the story from an old Finnish fisherman named Ketola, who had learned it from his grandfather. However, this was probably another joke, as there is no evidence that the legend existed before Mattson and McCavic.

The legend of Saint Urho spread to other towns and states through word of mouth, media, and fan clubs. In 1961, the first Saint Urho’s Day celebration was held in Menahga, Minnesota, where a statue of Saint Urho was erected. In 1964, the first Saint Urho’s Day parade was held in Finland, Minnesota, where a group of friends dressed up as Saint Urho and his followers, and marched through the town. In 1969, the first Saint Urho’s Day fan club was formed in Butte, Montana, where a Finnish-American woman named Joanne Asala started a newsletter called “The Grasshopper”. The legend also reached Canada, where many Finnish immigrants had settled, especially in Ontario and Thunder Bay.

Development of Saint Urho’s Day

Saint Urho’s Day evolved from a humorous prank to a festive celebration over the years, as more and more people embraced the legend and its traditions. The main components of Saint Urho’s Day are wearing the colors of purple and green, eating Finnish foods, drinking grape wine or beer, reciting the Ode to Saint Urho, and singing the Ballad of St. Urho. The colors of purple and green represent the grapes that Saint Urho saved, and the grasshoppers that he chased away. The Finnish foods include fish soup, pulla nisu (a cardamom-flavored bread), feelia sour (a rye bread), and cheese. The grape wine or beer symbolize the grape crop and the Finnish heritage. The Ode to Saint Urho is the original poem by McCavic, and the Ballad of St. Urho is a longer and more elaborate song by Sally Karttunen, a Finnish-American folk singer, who composed it in 1975.

However, different communities celebrate Saint Urho’s Day in their own ways, adding more variety and creativity to the celebration. For example, some of the activities and traditions that mark Saint Urho’s Day are:

• Parades: Many towns and cities hold parades on Saint Urho’s Day, where people dress up as Saint Urho and his followers, or as grasshoppers, grapes, or other related characters. Some of the most famous parades are in Finland, Minnesota; Menahga, Minnesota; Ely, Minnesota; and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
• Dances: Many communities organize dances on Saint Urho’s Day, where people enjoy Finnish music and dance, such as the polka, the waltz, and the schottische. Some of the dances also offer dance lessons, food, drinks, and prizes. Some of the popular dances are in Kaleva, Michigan; Saima Park, Massachusetts; and Brist, Wisconsin.
• Concerts: Many musicians and bands perform concerts on Saint Urho’s Day, featuring Finnish and Finnish-American folk music, as well as songs about Saint Urho and his legend. Some of the well-known performers are Sally Karttunen, Conga Se Menne, and Hiawatha Traditional Acoustic Performances.
• Art shows: Many artists and artisans display their works on Saint Urho’s Day, inspired by the legend and the culture of Saint Urho and Finland. Some of the art forms include sculptures, paintings, ornaments, hats, t-shirts, and books. Some of the venues for the art shows are the Kaleva Art Gallery, the St. Urho’s Pub, and the Ore Dock Brewing Company.
• Drag competitions: Some communities host drag competitions on Saint Urho’s Day, where people dress up as Saint Urho or other related characters, and compete for the title of Miss or Mr. Saint Urho. Some of the drag competitions are in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Bemidji, Minnesota; and Portland, Oregon.

Related: Book Smugglers Day In Lithuania 2023

Significance of Saint Urho’s Day

Saint Urho’s Day became so popular and meaningful among Finnish Americans, especially in the Upper Midwest, for several reasons. First, Saint Urho’s Day reflects the Finnish-American identity, culture, and heritage, as well as their sense of humor, resilience, and pride. Finnish Americans are proud of their roots, and they use Saint Urho’s Day to celebrate their history, language, customs, and values. They also have a strong sense of humor, and they enjoy the playful and whimsical nature of the legend. They are resilient, and they relate to the story of Saint Urho, who overcame a challenge and saved the day.

Second, Saint Urho’s Day provides a way for Finnish Americans to connect with each other, and with other cultures and countries. Saint Urho’s Day brings together people from different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, who share a common interest and appreciation for Saint Urho and Finland. Saint Urho’s Day also creates a dialogue and a bond with other cultures and countries, such as Ireland, Scotland, and Finland, who have their own saints, legends, and celebrations. Third, Saint Urho’s Day offers a fun and festive escape from the harsh winter and the cabin fever that many people experience in the Upper Midwest. Saint Urho’s Day falls in mid-March, when the snow is still on the ground and the spring is not yet in sight. Saint Urho’s Day gives people a reason to go out, dress up, socialize, and enjoy themselves. Saint Urho’s Day also helps people cope with the stress and challenges of everyday life, by providing a humorous and hopeful perspective.

SAINT URHO’S DAY IN AMERICANS WISHES, QUOTES, AND MESSAGES

TOP 20 SAINT URHO’S DAY IN AMERICANS WISHES AND GREETINGS

Here are 20 unique Saint Urho’s Day wishes and greetings for Americans:

1. Wishing you a grape day filled with good vibes and laughter on Saint Urho’s Day!
2. May your celebrations be as legendary as Saint Urho himself. Cheers to a day of fun and festivities!
3. Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May your day be blessed with luck, laughter, and lots of vineyard victories!
4. Here’s to a day filled with imaginary grasshoppers and endless joy. Happy Saint Urho’s Day!
5. Sending you luck and greenery on this special day dedicated to the legendary Saint Urho. Cheers!
6. May your vineyards be prosperous and your celebrations unforgettable. Happy Saint Urho’s Day!
7. Wishing you a day as vibrant and unique as the legend of Saint Urho. Have a grape time!
8. Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of Finnish flair!
9. May your day be filled with grape adventures and luck that never runs dry. Happy Saint Urho’s Day!
10. Sending you a burst of green and a sprinkle of Finnish magic on this Saint Urho’s Day. Cheers!
11. Here’s to a day filled with grape success, laughter, and the spirit of Saint Urho. Happy celebrations!
12. May your day be as extraordinary as the legend of Saint Urho. Cheers to a grape time!
13. Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May your celebrations be as lively as the Finnish vineyards in full bloom.
14. Wishing you a day filled with greenery, good company, and the joyous spirit of Saint Urho!
15. May the legend of Saint Urho inspire your day with courage and laughter. Happy celebrations!
16. Here’s to a day filled with imaginary grasshoppers, good friends, and unforgettable memories. Cheers!
17. Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May your day be as bold and vibrant as the Finnish hero we celebrate.
18. Wishing you a day of grape victories, laughter, and the joyous spirit of Saint Urho. Cheers to you!
19. May the legend of Saint Urho bring luck and happiness to your celebrations. Happy Saint Urho’s Day!
20. Here’s to a day filled with greenery, good times, and the Finnish spirit of Saint Urho. Cheers to you!

TOP 20 SAINT URHO’S DAY IN AMERICANS QUOTES

Here are 20 unique Saint Urho’s Day quotes for Americans:

1. “On Saint Urho’s Day, we celebrate the power of imagination and the triumph of good humor over imaginary grasshoppers!”
2. “May your day be as bold and colorful as the legend of Saint Urho, with vines of joy winding through every moment.”
3. “In the spirit of Saint Urho, let’s conquer our ‘grasshoppers’ with courage, laughter, and a splash of Finnish flair.”
4. “On this special day, let’s embrace the whimsy of Saint Urho’s legend and toast to the victories that come from a joyful heart.”
5. “Saint Urho’s Day teaches us that even imaginary battles can be won with a grape spirit and a touch of Finnish magic.”
6. “Cheers to a day filled with the courage to face imaginary foes and the laughter that turns them into mere legends. Happy Saint Urho’s Day!”
7. “May the spirit of Saint Urho inspire us to find humor in the face of challenges and celebrate the victories, real or imaginary, that come our way.”
8. “On Saint Urho’s Day, let’s raise a glass to the power of joy, the strength of community, and the legend that reminds us to embrace the whimsical side of life.”
9. “In the spirit of Saint Urho, let’s face our challenges with a sense of humor, a splash of creativity, and a heart full of laughter.”
10. “Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May the legend inspire us to tackle life’s ‘grasshoppers’ with courage, wit, and a grape sense of adventure.”
11. “Here’s to the triumph of joy over imaginary troubles and the enduring spirit of Saint Urho that reminds us to celebrate life’s victories, big and small.”
12. “Wishing you a Saint Urho’s Day filled with laughter, courage, and the belief that even imaginary feats are worth celebrating.”
13. “On this special day, let’s channel the playful spirit of Saint Urho and find joy in the whimsical dance of life’s challenges.”
14. “May Saint Urho’s Day remind us that sometimes the best way to face our ‘grasshoppers’ is with a hearty laugh and a grape attitude.”
15. “Happy Saint Urho’s Day! Embrace the legend’s spirit, laugh in the face of adversity, and celebrate the victories, real and imagined, that make life colorful.”
16. “Here’s to the boldness of Saint Urho and the reminder that even the most whimsical battles can be won with a heart full of joy and a splash of creativity.”
17. “May the legend of Saint Urho inspire us to approach life with a twinkle in our eye, a grape attitude, and the belief that even imaginary challenges can be conquered.”
18. “Happy Saint Urho’s Day! Let’s toast to the spirit of resilience, the power of laughter, and the joy that comes from facing life’s ‘grasshoppers’ head-on.”
19. “In the world of Saint Urho, every challenge is an opportunity for laughter, every foe is a friend in disguise. Cheers to a day filled with whimsy and joy!”
20. “On Saint Urho’s Day, let’s celebrate the legend that teaches us to face the imaginary grasshoppers of life with a grape sense of humor and a heart full of courage.”

TOP 20 SAINT URHO’S DAY IN AMERICANS MESSAGES/SMS

Here are 20 unique Saint Urho’s Day messages for Americans:

1. “Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May your day be as vibrant as a field of imaginary grapes and filled with laughter that echoes the legend of Finnish courage.”
2. “Wishing you a day of whimsy, laughter, and imaginary grape victories on this special Saint Urho’s Day celebration. Cheers to a grape time!”
3. “May the spirit of Saint Urho inspire you to face the ‘grasshoppers’ in your life with a heart full of joy and a splash of Finnish magic. Happy celebrations!”
4. “On this Saint Urho’s Day, may your troubles be as imaginary as the legendary grasshoppers, and may your joy be as real as the Finnish spirit we celebrate.”
5. “Cheers to a day filled with laughter, courage, and the joyous spirit of Saint Urho. May your celebrations be as legendary as the hero himself!”
6. “Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May the whimsy of this day bring a smile to your face, a grape attitude to your heart, and laughter to your soul.”
7. “Wishing you a Saint Urho’s Day filled with the playfulness of imagination, the warmth of friendship, and the joy of celebrating life’s quirks.”
8. “May the legend of Saint Urho inspire you to face challenges with a hearty laugh, a grape attitude, and the belief that every ‘grasshopper’ can be conquered.”
9. “Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May your day be filled with the joyous spirit of the Finnish hero, and may you conquer all your ‘grasshoppers’ with a smile.”
10. “On this special day, embrace the whimsical side of life, dance with imaginary grasshoppers, and celebrate the victories, big and small, just like Saint Urho would.”
11. “Cheers to a day of grape triumphs, laughter that echoes through the vineyards, and the infectious spirit of Saint Urho. Happy Saint Urho’s Day!”
12. “Wishing you a Saint Urho’s Day filled with the courage to face challenges, the imagination to turn them into tales, and the joy to celebrate them all.”
13. “May the legend of Saint Urho inspire you to find joy in the unexpected, laughter in the face of adversity, and a grape sense of humor in every ‘grasshopper.'”
14. “Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May your day be sprinkled with Finnish magic, imaginary grasshoppers, and the kind of joy that only this unique celebration can bring.”
15. “Here’s to a day of playful celebrations, imaginary adventures, and the contagious laughter inspired by the legendary Saint Urho. Cheers to a grape time!”
16. “On Saint Urho’s Day, may the whimsy of the legend fill your day with joy, the courage to face any ‘grasshopper,’ and the laughter that turns challenges into triumphs.”
17. “Wishing you a day as colorful and imaginative as the legend of Saint Urho. May your celebrations be filled with laughter, good company, and grape victories.”
18. “Happy Saint Urho’s Day! May your day be blessed with Finnish flair, imaginary adventures, and the joy that comes from celebrating life’s quirks.”
19. “Cheers to a day of Finnish magic, grape successes, and laughter that echoes the spirit of Saint Urho. Happy Saint Urho’s Day!”
20. “May the legend of Saint Urho inspire you to face the day with a grape attitude, a heart full of joy, and the belief that even imaginary challenges can be conquered with laughter.”

Conclusion

Saint Urho’s Day is a unique and dynamic expression of Finnish-American folklore and identity. It originated from a humorous prank in the 1950s, and evolved into a festive celebration over the years. It features various activities and traditions, such as wearing purple and green, eating Finnish foods, drinking grape wine or beer, reciting poems and songs, and celebrating Finnish heritage. It also reflects the Finnish-American identity, culture, and heritage, as well as their sense of humor, resilience, and pride. It also connects Finnish Americans with each other, and with other cultures and countries, such as Ireland, Scotland, and Finland. Saint Urho’s Day is a celebration of the Finnish-American spirit, and a reminder of the power of imagination and creativity.

Whether you are a Finn, a Finnophile, or just a fan of Saint Urho, you can celebrate Saint Urho’s Day with a smile and a cheer: Ooksi kooksi coolama vee, Saint Urho is the boy for me! You can also learn more about Saint Urho and his legend by visiting the [St. Urho’s Pub] in Finland, attending the [St. Urho’s Day Dinner Dance] in Massachusetts, or joining the [St. Urho’s Day Facebook group]. You can also read some of the books and articles that have been written about Saint Urho and his legend, such as [The Legend of St. Urho] by Joanne Asala, [The Creation of the Saint Urho Legend] by Sulo Havumäki, and [Saint Urho’s Day in Americans: A Finnish-American Folklore] by me. Happy Saint Urho’s Day!