Every March 16, a unique and quirky celebration takes place that might not yet be on your radar—St. Urho’s Day! This Finnish-American holiday is a delightful mix of folklore, humor, and community spirit. While St. Patrick often takes the limelight with his March 17 festivities, St. Urho’s Day offers a chance to don purple and green, savor Finnish treats, and revel in the charm of a mythical hero. But who exactly is St. Urho, and why is this day celebrated? Let’s dive in!
The Legend of St. Urho
Legend has it that St. Urho was a Finnish saint who heroically saved Finland’s grape crops from a devastating grasshopper infestation. Armed with a booming voice and the phrase, “Grasshoppers, begone!” (in Finnish, “Heinäsirkka, mennetkää tiehensä!”), St. Urho is said to have driven the pests out of the vineyards, ensuring a bountiful harvest for the people. While this tale is purely fictional and not rooted in actual history, it has become a cherished story among Finnish-American communities.
The History of St. Urho’s Day
St. Urho’s Day was created in the 1950s by Finnish-Americans in Minnesota. The holiday began as a playful response to St. Patrick’s Day, offering Finnish immigrants a chance to celebrate their own cultural heritage. Over the years, this lighthearted tradition has spread, gaining popularity in areas with Finnish roots, particularly in the United States and Canada. Today, it serves as a way to honor Finnish culture and bring people together for a dose of fun and camaraderie.
How St. Urho’s Day is Celebrated
On March 16, participants celebrate St. Urho’s Day by dressing in purple and green—the official colors of the day, representing grapes and grasshoppers. Parades, potlucks, and community events are common, featuring Finnish food like karjalanpiirakka (rice pies), salmon soup, and rye bread. Some enthusiasts even create grasshopper-themed decorations or costumes to add a whimsical touch to the festivities.
In Finnish-American communities, people often recite the “Ode to St. Urho,” a humorous poem that tells the story of Urho’s heroic deeds. Music, dancing, and storytelling are also integral to the celebrations, making it a day filled with joy and laughter.
Fun Facts About St. Urho’s Day
- St. Urho’s Day is celebrated a day before St. Patrick’s Day, giving you back-to-back reasons to enjoy festive fun in March!
- “Urho” means “hero” in Finnish, making the name perfectly fitting for this mythical saint.
- Some towns in Minnesota and Michigan even have statues and monuments dedicated to St. Urho.
- The holiday’s origins are credited to Richard Mattson and Sulo Havumäki, Finnish-Americans who wanted to create a playful counterpart to St. Patrick’s Day.
Get Involved in the Celebration!
Ready to join the fun this March 16? Start by sporting your best purple and green attire and whipping up some Finnish delicacies to share with friends and family. If you’re near a Finnish-American community, check out local events or parades—you might even learn the “Ode to St. Urho” or try your hand at crafting grasshopper-themed decorations. Even if you’re new to the tradition, St. Urho’s Day is a fantastic opportunity to embrace a bit of whimsy and celebrate cultural heritage in a unique way.
So, mark your calendars for March 16, 2025, and get ready to honor the legendary St. Urho in style. Whether you’re Finnish or simply Finnish at heart, this quirky holiday is sure to bring a smile to your face and a sense of community to your heart!
