March brings two unique celebrations: St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th and St. Urho’s Day on March 16th. While St. Patrick’s Day is famous worldwide, St. Urho’s Day is a lesser-known but amusing holiday with Finnish-American origins. This article explores the legends behind both figures and how their celebrations compare.
The Legend of St. Patrick
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, known for spreading Christianity across the country. According to legend, he drove all snakes out of Ireland. Though there is no evidence that Ireland ever had snakes, the story symbolizes the removal of pagan beliefs.
St. Patrick’s Symbols and Traditions
- Wearing Green – Represents Ireland and its lush landscape.
- Shamrocks – Said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity.
- Parades and Celebrations – Large events in cities worldwide, featuring Irish music and dance.
- Drinking Guinness and Irish Whiskey – A common part of modern celebrations.
The Myth of St. Urho
St. Urho’s Day was created in the 1950s by Finnish-Americans in Minnesota. The fictional saint supposedly saved Finland’s vineyards by driving out a plague of grasshoppers with his mighty words: “Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen!” (“Grasshopper, grasshopper, go to hell!”).
St. Urho’s Symbols and Traditions
- Wearing Purple and Green – Purple symbolizes Finnish wine, while green represents grasshoppers.
- Mock-Heroic Stories – People tell exaggerated tales of St. Urho’s bravery.
- Grasshopper-Themed Decorations – Some events feature grasshopper props and costumes.
- Finnish Food and Drinks – Celebrants enjoy dishes like kalakukko (fish pie) and karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties), along with Finnish beer.
St. Patrick vs. St. Urho: A Fun Comparison
| Feature | St. Patrick | St. Urho |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Historical figure in Ireland | Fictional character from Finnish-American folklore |
| Feat | Banished snakes from Ireland | Banished grasshoppers from Finland |
| Celebrated On | March 17th | March 16th |
| Colors Worn | Green | Purple and green |
| Food & Drink | Irish stew, Guinness | Finnish rye bread, beer |
| Cultural Impact | Global holiday | Regional, mainly in the U.S. |
Why St. Urho’s Day Matters
Though not widely recognized in Finland, St. Urho’s Day is an important tradition for Finnish-American communities. It highlights their heritage and provides a fun alternative to St. Patrick’s Day. For those with Finnish roots, it is a playful way to celebrate identity and culture.
St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture, while St. Urho’s Day is a humorous tradition rooted in Finnish-American communities. Both holidays bring people together through storytelling, food, and festivities. Whether wearing green for St. Patrick or purple for St. Urho, March offers a reason for everyone to celebrate.