HANCOCK - The original concept for this year's Heikinpiv Finnish hymn sing was to span the entire year.
But once the committee got to its favorites from Advent, New Year's, Christmas and the Epiphany, there wasn't much left.
"It became pretty obvious we weren't going to get through the entire year," said Dan Maki, a member of the committee and one of the program announcers.
While it may not have hit every spot in the calendar, the event did satisfy the crowd's love of the classic Finnish hymns. Called "Oi mustatko viel sen virren?" (Do you remember the hymn?), the event, held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock, is now in its 18th year.
Maki, Marja Kilpela and Pastor Arvo Onermaa took turns explaining the roots and meaning behind each song.
The fifth song, "Thti taivahinen kerran," is about the journey of the Three Wise Men.
"Like that, the poem goes on to say, we have a star to guide us on our journey of life as well, as that star is God's holy word," Maki said.
There were three smaller-scale numbers spread out among the main hymns. Connie Johnson performed "Joululaulu" ("Christmas Song") on kantele. Adrienne Hillman sang and played guitar on "Tornio River Psalm," accompanied by Kay Seppala on kantele and folk flute. And the day closed with a male chorus made up of members of several local churches, which performed "Laulu Jumalan Aidille" ("Hymn to the Mother of God") and "Maa On Niin Kaunis" ("The Earth Is So Beautiful").
Afterward, the crowd and performers enjoyed refreshments provided by Norma Nominelli and others at Zion Lutheran Church.
Donna Jarvi of Houghton comes every year.
"I like the Finnish hymns," she said. "I don't sing them, but I like to hear them."
