Anniversary party, or “vujut,” are a tradition that usually commemorates the founding of a student organization, student union, guild, club, or other organization, held in Finnish. Anniversary parties are also held outside the academic field related to studying, for example, by various organizations, companies, and associations. New organizations may hold anniversary parties annually, but organizations that have been in operation for a longer period of time usually hold anniversary parties every 5-10 years. PIRATE ry has been organizing anniversary celebrations every five years. The most recent was the 60th anniversary celebration in 2024. You can find impressions of PIRATE’s 55th anniversary celebration on the photo wall, celebration, and after-party. The best bits of the 50th anniversary celebrations can also be found here. The next anniversary party will be PIRATE’s 65th anniversary in 2029.
The spirit of the anniversary celebrations includes traditions, a dignified occasion, high-quality food and drink, and various program items. The dress code for the anniversary celebrations may vary depending on the organizer and the nature of the event they wish to create. The most common dress code is the so-called black tie, which means a dark (black, blue, or gray) neat suit or tailcoat for men, which should not be replaced with a tuxedo or dinner jacket. For women, this means an ankle-length evening gown. A popular dress code for parties with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere is often cocktail attire. Nowadays, however, dress codes are only guidelines, and partygoers vary them according to their own preferences.
Before the annual celebrations, there may be a more relaxed cocktail party, after which guests move to the party venue. At the party venue, guests are seated in designated places and food is often served at the table or collected from a buffet table under supervision. The dinner often includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert with coffee and liqueur. During the meal, there are often speeches and gifts from the invited guests are presented to the organizers. Invited guests include alumni, honorary members, and partners. As the evening progresses, the party usually becomes more relaxed, and you may see cognac hats appearing. Cognac hats are headwear made from folded tablecloths. However, it is not advisable to do this prematurely. A good sign is usually when the cognac arrives with the coffee. Here’s how to fold a cognac ear:
- Fold the edges of your square napkin toward the center so that the width of the napkin is one-third of its original width.
2. Turn the napkin over, placing the fold you just made against the table.
3. Fold the napkin in half, so that you have folded it into a square shape again. All corners should now be on the same edge.
4. Grasp all corners with your fingers at the same time and pull them flat.
5. Turn the unfolded cloth upside down and place it on your head.
The evening may continue after dessert with performances or informal celebrations. Often, the party moves from the venue to another location. This depends very much on the venue and the organizer. However, for those who wish, the party continues until morning without changing clothes.
The day after the annual celebrations, there is often a sillisaamiainen (herring breakfast). Sillis is a relaxed morning celebration to recover from the festivities and is often considered a second day of celebration. There is no dress code for the occasion, but it is advisable to wear comfortable and casual clothes. Sillis vary greatly depending on the organizer, but they are an important part of academic annual celebrations. Sillis may include a joint program, food, and drinks, but mainly it is a relaxed get-together with the people who attended the annual celebration. Sillis is often included in the ticket price for the annual celebration.
Academic ribbon
Annual celebrations are a perfect occasion for Academic ribbons. PIRATE ry has its own Academic ribbon, which each member can purchase from KIDE.app. The ribbon is sold by the meter, and each member can fold it into a rosette or wear it over their shoulder. The Academic ribbon is used when representing one’s own student organization, for example.
ETIQUETTE FOR USING THE ACADEMIC RIBBON
Healthcare students at Tampere University of Applied Sciences – PIRATE ry has a Academic ribbon that is 30 mm wide with black, white, and fuchsia stripes. The ribbon is used at academic events when representing the student association.
Each member is entitled to redeem a ribbon for themselves. The right to use it remains even after membership of the student association has ended. The PIRATE board decides on the transfer of the ribbon to a person outside PIRATE.
When wearing the ceremonial ribbon, the attire must be appropriate for the occasion and the value of the ribbon.
Men wear the sash so that it runs from the right shoulder across the chest to the left. The sash is worn under the waistcoat with formal attire and over the waistcoat and tie with everyday attire. Women wear the ribbon so that it runs from the left shoulder across the chest to the right. With evening wear, the ribbon can also be worn folded into a rosette on the left side of the chest. The ribbon must never touch bare skin.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOLDING A CELEBRATION RIBBON INTO A BOW TIE
- Start folding the ribbon by making a fold of about 3 cm to the left.
- Then make a fold of the same size to the right.
- Next, fold the bottom part of the rosette. The lower fold should be about 1 cm wider than the upper fold at both ends.
- Next, fold the middle of the rose. Turn the rose over and fold the ribbon diagonally upwards.
- Twist the ribbon around the rose.
- Finally, turn the ribbon back to the back of the rosette. Cut off the excess ribbon and secure the end of the ribbon by sewing it.
- All you need now is a small safety pin to attach the rose to your outfit, and you’re ready to party!