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The Legend of St. Urho ![]()
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St. Urho, a towering figure over seven feet tall, gained legendary strength from a diet of viili (Finnish sour milk) and kala mojakka (fish soup). When swarms of grasshoppers threatened Finland’s vineyards by devouring grapes, St. Urho roared, *“Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen!”* (“Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away!”). Terrified, the insects fled, saving Finland’s wine. ![]()
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Despite the tale’s Finnish setting, St. Urho’s story began in 1950s Northern Minnesota. Finnish-American Richard Mattson created the legend as a humorous counterpart to St. Patrick’s Day, and it quickly became a cherished tradition among Finnish communities. ![]()
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Observed on March 16th, St. Urho’s Day is marked by wearing purple (for grapes) and green (for grasshoppers). Festivities include parades, feasts, and, of course, raising a glass in honor of the saint who (supposedly) saved Finnish wine! ![]()
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