"Sleepyhead Day" has been marked in the Finnish Almanac since the 1600s. "Sleepyhead Day" takes its origins from the legend of the seven Christian Martyrs of Efesos. According to the legend, in 200 AD the Christian Martyrs of Efesos fell asleep for 200 years in a cave, where they had taken refuge and were in hiding from the Roman emperor Decius.

In Finland the town of Naantali, near Turku, is well known for the tradition of the throwing the "Sleepyhead of the Year" (Unikeko) into the sea. Traditionally the "Unikeko" is a well known resident of Naantali who in the early morning on "Sleepyhead Day" is taken from his/her bed and thrown into the sea. Nobody knows who the person is, until he or she comes out of the water!

In Finnish households it can also be a good idea to get out of bed early on "Sleepyhead Day" as another Finnish tradition, used in some households, is to throw water to the face of the person who gets out of bed last. This person is then branded the laziest member of the household!!

For information on how to cook and prepare Traditional Finnish Foods, from the everyday dishes to the festive meals and desserts, served on Finnish holidays and celebrations, please visit the Finnguide Finnish Recipes Section.

Public Transportation runs according to the normal timetable for the day of the week on which this event occurs.

Finland shops and services run their normal opening hours according to the day of the week, on which this calendar event occurs.
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