St.Urho’sDay :

“In Finland, Minnesota we are proud of our FinnishAmerican heritage, and St. Urho’s Day is part of how we show that,” said Honor Schauland, event coordinator for the St. Urho’s Day celebrations. “Our celebration started in 1976 as our community’s unique way to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. We’re American, but Finnish too.”

History of St. Urho’s Day

The legend of St. Urho, which started in the 1950s, originated in northern Minnesota. It spread from there and is now celebrated across the United States and in many countries, including Finland. It is debated on who created the tale, but it began as a fable either told by Sulo Havumaki of Bemidji or by Richard Mattson of Virginia.

Finnish Folklore

Typically celebrated on March 16, it is a similar tale to Saint Patrick who allegedly drove out snakes from Ireland and who is celebrated on March 17. The folklore tells of St. Urho chasing out grasshoppers to save the grape crop. St. Urho did this while uttering the phrase, “Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen," which roughly translates to “Grasshopper, grasshopper, go to Hell!" By chasing the grasshoppers out, St. Urho saved the crops and the jobs of the Finnish vineyard workers.

Celebrate St. Urho’s Day

In Finland, Minnesota the 47th annual St. Urho’s Day celebration will be held March 11, 12, and 13.

“Every year we have a parade in March, along with music and food and other festivities,” Schauland said. “People dress in purple and green and other creative costumes.”

Local businesses will have dinner specials including mojakka, a Finnish American stew.

The events draw the community outside and is a fun springtime celebration.

“It’s often a day when things warm up and the snow melts a little, and even though we know winter isn’t over yet, the coldest, hardest time is over,” Schauland said. “Up here, St Urho’s Day is the true beginning of spring.”

If you are not able to attend in person, but still want to partake in the festivities, the parade and other activities will be livestreamed on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sturho.

Other ways to celebrate the day include wearing green (for the grasshoppers) and purple (for the grapes).

“And practice your Finnish,” Schauland said.

Hyvää Pyhän Urhon päivää means Happy St. Urho’s Day.

Whether or not you have Finnish heritage, celebrating St. Urho’s Day is a fun northern Minnesota tradition. Head to Finland, Minnesota for the festivities or check your local city calendar to see if there is a celebration near you.

“My favorite part of St. Urho’s Day is the way each year everyone has been sort of hibernating and a little crabby all winter, but on this day we all come outside and smile at each other and have a good time,” Schauland said. D

Molly Milroy is a Duluth freelance writer.