It's that time of year again, when Finns everywhere don their finest purple and green attire and proudly announce their Finnish heritage. Or at least drink to St. Urho and get a head start on the St. Patrick's day celebrating...
As a card-carrying Finn, I find it necessary to carry a decent selection of purple and green jewelry. Check out the Latest Designs page for the perfect complement to your St. Urho's day togs! :)
St. Urho's History... |
St. Urho's Day is a Finnish-American tradition. The legend of St. Urho originated in Northern Minnesota in the 1950s. There is some dispute over who actually started the whole thing, but it likely began with the tongue-in-cheek stories told by Richard Mattson in Virginia, MN and was further shaped by Sulo Havumaki of Bemidji, MN. In Finnish, Urho means hero or simply brave. (Coincidentally, in 1956 the President of Finland was Urho Kekkonen) However it began, though, St. Urho’s day is now known and celebrated in communities in the United States, Canada, and even in Finland. According to the legend, St. Urho single-handedly saved the Finnish grape harvest from being devoured by grasshoppers. Plagued by hordes of grasshoppers, the Finnish vintners faced the loss of their precious grape crop. Fortunately, St. Urho was there to save the day. His method for ousting the vine-chomping pests? A pitchfork and some strong words: "Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, meine täällä hiiteen!" or "Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away from here!" St. Urho's Day is celebrated on March 16th by wearing the deep purple to represent the grapes and green to represent the vines. To read the "Ode to St. Urho" by Gene McCavic and Richard Mattson, click here. |
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| St. Urho statue in Menahga, MN (Photograph - C. Bomar 1997) |
March Specials!
Check out the special prices on my designs with St. Urho and St. Patrick's Day colors below!
