St. Urho’s Day 2024: Finland celebrates St. Urho’s Day annually on March 16 in advance of St. Patrick’s Day. While it is highly probable that St. Urho is a work of fiction, the anecdotes surrounding him are nonetheless captivating
St. Urho’s Day is a jovial occasion that prepares revelers for St. Patrick’s Day, which is characterized by excessive drinking and revelry. Today is the appropriate occasion to relax your tresses and make preparations for the upcoming festivities. St. Urho’s Day, in contrast to St. Patrick’s Day, is painted purple. As such, remember to embrace the colors of the day while enjoying yourself. St. Urho’s Day greetings to all!
The Origins of Saint Urho’s Day
Saint Urho is an atypical individual. The saint reportedly expelled the grasshoppers from Finland by yelling, “Grasshoppers, Grasshoppers, Go to Hell!” However, why did he wish for grasshoppers to be eradicated from Finland? In this manner, the wine vineyards were prevented from being destroyed. In addition to preserving the vines and employing the labor force, he subsisted solely on fish soup and sour milk. Owing to his virtuous actions, he attained the status of a hero. That does indeed resemble Saint Patrick, wouldn’t you say?
Additionally, legend has it that Saint Patrick inspired Saint Urho. St. Urho, the Finnish equivalent of the Irish saint, is commemorated in statues, one of which is located in Minnesota and features the saint grasping sizable grasshoppers as an offering for his selflessness. On this day, individuals don purple and green attire and partake in festivities such as reciting this peculiar tale and consuming wine.
The narrative is peculiar in that St. Urho has never existed! The only sources of inspiration for this story were curiosity and amusement. Still, numerous individuals assert that they are aware of the origin of St. Urho’s Day. According to popular belief, the character was conceived as a joke by department store owner Richard Mattson in Virginia, Minnesota, in collaboration with a few friends.
Rapidly, the news spread across the nation, primarily to the southern states. The inhabitants of these regions would observe the saint’s feast day in observance of their Finnish national heritage. Others claim that Sulo Havumaki, a Minnesotan of Finnish descent, created the holiday and changed the theme from pestilence to grasshoppers.
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FAQs on St. Urho’s Day
What is the significance of St. Urho’s Day?
On this day, Finnish traditions are observed.
In what manner is St. Urho’s Day observed?
A beauty contest, a parade, cuisine, face painting, music, snow sculptures, and additional community celebrations are featured.
Is St. Urho’s Day celebrated in Finland?
Even in Finland, Urho is recognized and celebrated throughout the United States and Canada.
Day of St. Urho’s Day Activities
Employ purple
Purple is the symbolic color of St. Urho’s Day. Observe the occasion by donning purple attire. Purple suits are fashionable, and if you prefer to appear understated, a purple scarf would be beautiful. Enhance your appearance by applying purple hair dye.
Consume Finnish fare
A celebration is held on St. Urho’s Day in recognition of the Finnish people. Why not commemorate the occasion with a feast of Finnish cuisine? Sample the renowned salmon broth and rye bread from Finland.
Attend the festivities.
Observe St. Urho’s Day by participating in the festivities. Saint Urho’s Day is widely observed and commemorated in Finnish communities. Participate in the festivities if the Finnish community in your city is doing so.
Five Fascinating Facts Concerning Finland
The nation is replete with saunas.
There are over three million saunas in Finland.
The Finns drink the most milk.
An average of 34 liters of milk are consumed annually.
They consume the most caffeine as well.
An average Finn consumes 12 kilograms of coffee annually.
The third most potent passport in the world
The Finnish are exempt from visa requirements for travel to 175 countries.
A ‘Day for Failure’ has arrived.
On this day, which is observed on October 13, the Finnish reflect on their shortcomings.
ST. URHO’S DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 16 | Saturday |
| 2025 | March 16 | Sunday |
| 2026 | March 16 | Monday |
| 2027 | March 16 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | March 16 | Thursday |
