Happy St. Urho’s Day from Irma’s Finland House

St. Urho is the legendary patron saint of Finland. But where did it all begin? Here in Virginia in the back room of Ketola’s Department Store? Or was it created by Sulo Havumaki of Bemidji? I’d like to believe it began right here! Either way, the legend has grown among North Americans of Finnish descent to the point where St. Urho is known and celebrated across the United States and Canada, and even in Finland.

The legend of St. Urho says that he chased the grasshoppers out of ancient Finland, saving the grape crops and thus the jobs of Finnish vineyard workers. He did it by uttering “Heinasirkka, heinasirkka, mene taalta hiiteen!” (“Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away!”)

St. Urho’s feast is celebrated with parades, cook-offs, contests, and statues – and of course by wearing the colors royal purple and nile green. Come celebrate St. Urho’s Day with us here at Irma’s! We will be serving pea soup and rye bread. While you’re here, we hope you’ll look at our beautiful glassware, china, and sauna items from Finland. And don’t forget to check out our Finnish proverb of the day!

Submitted by Marion Sederstrom.