Heikki Lunta

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Heikki Lunta is the embodiment of the Finnish snow god character who originated in the mythology of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The character of Heikki Lunta is a product of the heavy Finnish-American presence in Michigan's Upper Peninsula combined with a tremendous annual snowfall.

History[]

David Riutta created "Heikki Lunta" (the name translates to "Hank Snow" in English) in 1970. When an upcoming snowmobile race hosted by the Range Snowmobile Club of Atlantic Mine was endangered by the lack of snowfall, Riutta, a worker at WMPL in Hancock, aired the "Heikki Lunta Snowdance Song". The song goes on to ask "Heikki Lunta," the Finnish snow god, for snow in time for the race. According to local tales, the snow fell and fell, until there was too much. People were superstitious that Riutta's song had caused too much snow for the race, so in response to public outcry, Riutta recorded a separate track entitled, "Heikki Lunta Go Away." The 45 showcased each song on alternate sides.

A man only known as "Paul" tried to popularize the "Heikki Lunta" dance in Madison, Wisconsin, but was greeted only with disdain from his peers. It is said he can still be seen on those cold, wintry nights performing his "Heikki Lunta" dance.

See also[]

• Jack Frost
• Paul Bunyan
• Rain dance
• Saint Urho

External links[]

• Not Just Talking About the Weather: Tradition, Social Change and Heikki Lunta, Hilary Virtanen
• Heikki Lunta (song), lyrics from Da Yoopers 1991 release, "Yoopy do Wah"
• Heikki Lunta - A Modern Copper Country Folk Hero, Jim Kurtti
• Guess Who's Coming to Sauna? (Heikki Lunta) by Conga Se Menne
• Heikki Lunta Snow Dance and other traditions