Graduation Caps with Citrusy Overtones

On every Finnish holiday, flags are flown around town and shops are closed throughout the country.  This past May Day was no exception to the rule.  With the signs of spring becoming more and more abundant, this holiday provides the perfect opportunity for the Finns to defy the last bits of snow and get out to enjoy each other's company.  (And when I say defy snow, I mean attempt to ignore not only the small piles that still exist from this winter, but also the white fluffy stuff that continues to fall from the sky—yes, there was a snow storm on May 2!)

Getting back to May Day, I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the celebration.  The city center was transformed into a bustling marketplace where children ran around in costumes and parades filled the surrounding streets.  Any number of delicious food smells wafted through the air, and homemade goods could be purchased at a variety of stalls.  Perhaps my favorite aspect of this holiday is what sat on people's heads.  It is on this day that many Finns come out wearing their graduation caps.  Unlike the American design, the Finnish graduation hats somewhat resemble what sailors might wear with white tops, a thick black band and small visor. The young and old sport the same fashion in many ways unifying the span of generations mingling in the marketplace. 

On May Day (or Vappu), the streets
were filled with parades.

Here, you can see two women chatting
while sporting their graduation caps.

Another tradition that comes with May Day is a unique drink called sima.  Made with freshly squeezed lemons, brown sugar, water, yeast and raisins, this concoction must be prepared several days in advance so it is ready for the May Day picnics.  While I think the drink tastes a bit like yeast, the citrusy overtones were much nicer than the Finn's Easter mämmi.

Sima is made with freshly squeezed lemons.

Tiina invited several exchange students
over to make this 8 liter bucket of sima.

Overall, I enjoyed the cultural experience that May Day provided.  As I will be leaving Finland at the end of the week, the festivities were a nice way for me to join with the Joensuu community one last time.  It is a community characterized by warmth and quiet—a community I will miss.