Bottoms up if you’ve got ’em

Finns are determined to make the most of summer. Having recovered from the frost and wind of the winter, they celebrate the beginning of summer with a boisterous Midsummer feast in June and bring it to an equally exuberant end with crayfish parties in August — in lucid moonlight, with any luck.

Crayfish have been used for food since the Middle Ages, but they did not become a fashion statement until the middle of the 19th century in Paris. Subsequently the concept of the crayfish party was imported to St Petersburg and Sweden. While not Finnish in origin like the sauna and Santa Claus, the crayfish party is nevertheless today a time-honoured tradition in the far North.

"Catch a crab, catch a crab
In the August moon.
Brothers, join in toasting,
Revelry and boasting.
Yummy yummy in my tummy
Sings a happy song.

Take a glass, take a glass,
Share a drink with me.
No more care or sorrow,
Time for that tomorrow.
Crayfish dinner is a winner,
May your days be long!"

BY RIITTA EKHOLM
PHOTO BY LAURA VUOMA

A toast in the crayfish party