Sitsit

Sitsit in Finnish or Sits in Finland-Swedish, is a traditional academic student feast organised in some universities in Finland, particularly in Åbo Akademi, University of Turku, Helsinki University of Technology and University of Helsinki. They are also organised by a few non-academic organisations, such as the Turku Science Fiction Society.

The tradition probably shares roots with traditional student feast in other parts of Europe, including Commercium, Tableround and Cantus. The same tradition also exists in Swedish academic tradition, where it is known as a sittning or, with an older term, sexa. Much of the Finnish sitsi-culture has evolved in student contacts with Sweden, and many of the classic Swedish drinking songs are also sung in Swedish or in translated versions during Finnish-speaking sitsis.

The participants of sitsit will sit around a table. During the feast a three-course meal in served. Depending on the occasion the meal may be simple or lavish. The proceedings are led by a master of ceremonies, whose responsibility is to uphold traditions and order songs, usually based on suggestions from the participants.

Group singing is an integral part of sitsit. The songs include numerous drinking songs, some with a common tune with new words. In more formal sitsit, academic and patriotic songs, such as De Brevitate Vitae, Finlandia Hymn and The Jäger March are sung. Many of the songs have words which are bawdy or mock political parties, certain nationalities or university teachers. It is customary to start with more formal songs and proceed to the bawdier ones as the party gets rowdier. Many songs have their own associated traditions. For example, a special song is sung while punsch is served.