juhla

From Proto-Germanic *jehwlą.

juhla

1. (often in plural) party, celebration (social gathering of usually invited guests for entertainment, fun and socializing)

   Pidän suuret juhlat 21-vuotispäivänäni.

   I'm throwing a huge party for my 21st birthday.

2. (often in plural) feast (very large meal, often of ceremonial nature)

   Pidimme juhlat sadonkorjuun kunniaksi.

   We had a feast to celebrate the harvest.

3. feast (religious anniversary)

   seitsemäntenä päivänä vietettäköön juhlaa Herran kunniaksi (2. Moos 13:6)

   the seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord (Exodus xiii. 6)

   Ja hänen vanhempansa matkustivat joka vuosi Jerusalemiin pääsiäisjuhlille (Luuk 2:41)

   Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. (Luke ii. 41)

4. celebration (act, process of showing appreciation, gratitude and/or remembrance, notably as a social event)
5. (in the plural) festival, fest (event or community gathering which centers on some theme)

   Savonlinnan oopperajuhlat ― the Savonlinna opera festival

6. ceremony, occasion, function
7. fiesta
8. jubilee
9. carnival

• The word can used in either plural or singular, but there are little differences in the nuances. The singular form juhla is often used when the party is considered bigger, more public or taking place in a more spacious venue. On the other hand, the plural form juhlat has a nuance that the party is private or taking place in a smaller venue.

Rehtori kiitti juhlassa koko koulua menneestä vuodesta. (singular)

The principal thanked the whole school for the past year at the ceremony.

Minun juhlissani oli 30 (= kolmekymmentä) vierasta. (plural)

I had 30 guests at my party.

• halju