The Verse - Volume 7
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Purple Particulars – The purple Saint

Ireland has St. Patrick, whose color is green…Finland has St. Urho, whose color is purple.  The celebration of St. Urho's Day takes place on March 16th. Generations ago, St. Urho, the patron saint of Finland poised himself for battle with his pitchfork raised high. Determined to save Finland's grape crop, Urho set out to rid the land of the pesky grasshoppers. Every year on March 16, Finnish folk celebrate the spirit of his bravery with admiration and thanksgiving by sending cards and exchanging gifts. This is your day and we honor you St. Urho!

For more info:

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/mn.html

http://www.finnishdesigns.com/WebPages/StUrhoGifts.htm