Song traditions
Singing is an important part of teekkari parties. Sing-alongs are common especially at annual balls and at more informal formal parties, also known as sitsit, where singing together is a central part of the programme. Sing-alongs are common also in informal parties, such as sauna parties. The songs that are sung are usually traditional teekkari songs or more general academic party or drinking songs. Patriotic or provincial songs are more rarely sung at teekkari parties. The dearest songs are usually the oldest as well and sung with almost ritualistic devotion. The significance of singing as reinforcement of the teekkari community is paramount.
The culture of singing is firmly organized. The TKY, the guilds, the nations and many associations have their own choirmasters, also known as lukkari. The purpose of the lukkari is to cultivate and develop the song traditions and of course, conduct singing at sitsit and annual balls.
Singing is a form of having fun and it is not to be taken too seriously. At sitsit it is not considered appropriate to criticize other partygoers’ singing skills, even if they would not sound pleasing to your own ear. Inexperienced or uncertain singers are often encouraged by saying that a teekkari rather sings than sings well.
At sitsit parties or annual balls the participants are given songbooks that include pre-planned collection of songs for the party in question. Singing outside the songbook is quite usual and it gives more variety for the song supply. It pays to keep your own songbook handy for situations like these.
The TKY’s songbook is called Teekkarilauluja. Most of the Otaniemi guilds have their own songbooks.