Many Finnish traditions are dying out in the Copper Country because of
the loss of the use of Finnish language among the younger generations of
the community. For this reason the Finnish Theme Community has taken
extreme pride in presenting Heikinpäivä
Heikinpaiva for the past four years.
Heikinpäivä, is a series of Finnish related activities in Hancock
celebrating the mid-point of winter. Although hard to believe, we’re past
the mid-point of winter, or so they say.
This year's events started this past Friday with Seisovapoyta (Finnish
Buffet) followed by Tanssit (Finn Hall Dance).
Events included classes in nisu making, leipajuusto (squeaky cheese)
making, Karjalan piirakka cooking and wood carving classes, a 5-string
kantele class, Himmeli-making and a bones workshop.
On Saturday there was the Tori (market), where hand-made crafts were
sold as well as ethnic foods and other Finnish items; a parade through
downtown Hancock; a family oriented fun park and a polar bear dive on the
Hancock waterfront. The weekend concluded with an authentic Finnish buffet
and a tanssit (dance).
In 1999, the Finnish Theme Committee of the City of Hancock created a
new Finnish-American celebration - Heikinpäivä. The celebration’s themes
are taken from Finnish folk saying associated with the name day for Heikki
(Henrik’s day, 19 January). Saint Henrik was actually a Bishop in Finland
back in the mid-1100s. Bishop Henrik was given the position of national
saint at the end of the 13th century to become St. Henrik. In Finland
every name has a day associated with it, so when your name day comes up
you celebrate it, more or less like a small birthday celebration.
By far, the Finns make up the largest ethnic group of Michigan's Copper
Country. In Hancock approximately 40 percent of the population claimed
Finnish ancestry in the most recent federal census.
Heikinpäivä organizers keep a watchful
eye on the celebration's uniquely ethnic flavor. Finnish crafts, music,
food, films and games provide something for everyone. Although a Hancock
City event, the Heikinpäivä spirit has spilled into neighboring
communities. From Calumet to South Range, activities abound.
