Vappu Day, celebrated every year on May 1st, is one of Finland’s most cherished holidays. It marks the arrival of spring, blends deep-rooted traditions with modern festivities, and unites students, workers, and families in a joyful nationwide celebration.
The Origins of Vappu
Vappu’s history is rich with fascinating tales. It’s named after Saint Walpurga (also known as Valburg in Finnish), a Christian missionary who lived in the 8th century in what is now Germany. She was made a saint in 870, with her feast day falling on May 1st. Saint Walpurga was known for her efforts in combating pestilence, rabies, whooping cough, and, notably, witchcraft – making her quite the multitasker. Her association with combating witchcraft and evil spirits is one reason why the night between April 30th and May 1st became known as “Walpurgis Night.” On this night, fires were traditionally lit to ward off witches, a custom that dates back to Germanic celebrations marking the arrival of summer. The name “Vappu” itself derives from Walpurga, linking this holiday to both the saint’s legacy and the historical tradition of warding off evil spirits.
Over time, this day became associated with European spring festivals, particularly in Nordic countries. In Finland, Vappu also carries significant political and social meaning, as it coincides with International Workers’ Day, a time for advocating labor rights and social equality.
Vappu is also a major student holiday, particularly for university students, who wear their white graduation caps and participate in lively gatherings, parades, and public ceremonies. The celebration is a symbol of academic achievement and camaraderie.
How Vappu is Celebrated in Finland
Some key traditions of Vappu Day are:
- Havis Amanda crowning: In Helsinki, students ceremoniously place a graduation cap on the Havis Amanda statue, marking the official start of Vappu festivities.
- Picnics and brunches: Families and friends gather in parks for picnics and enjoy Finnish delicacies like sima (a sweet mead-like drink), munkki (sugary doughnuts), and tippaleipä (funnel cake).
- Colorful costumes and balloons: The streets come alive with people dressed in bright overalls, student caps, and fun accessories.
- Speeches and parades: Labor unions and activists organize rallies advocating for workers’ rights, keeping the holiday’s political significance alive.
One of the most meaningful Vappu traditions is the widespread wearing of student caps and regalia, a symbol of educational achievement and lifelong learning. It’s a time when academic pride is celebrated publicly and is an expression of the value Finns place on knowledge and discovery.
A Note From Lynsight
Vappu Day is a celebration of strength, community, and tradition – values that resonate deeply with us at Lynsight.
As a Finnish company, Lynsight is proud to honor our roots on this special day. Our mission is to empower individuals and families affected by Lynch syndrome with accurate and reliable genetic testing. By helping people understand their inherited risk for cancer, we support proactive health decisions and offer a path forward filled with knowledge and hope.
Lynsight is founded on the principle of creating and sharing knowledge – a commitment that connects deeply to the academic spirit of Vappu. Just as this holiday celebrates education, curiosity, and collective progress, we at Lynsight are dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and ensuring everyone has access to accurate Lynch syndrome testing.
Just as Vappu brings people together in solidarity and celebration, we at Lynsight stand alongside patients and families, committed to guiding them through their health journeys with compassion and clarity.
Hyvää Vappua! (Happy Vappu!)