juhla

From Proto-Finnic *juhla (compare dialectal Estonian juhlad), borrowed from Proto-Germanic *jehwlą. Doublet of joulu.

• IPA^(key): /ˈjuhlɑ/, [ˈjuxlɑ]
• Rhymes: -uhlɑ
• Syllabification^(key): juh‧la

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)
   • 1933, Bible, Exodus 13:6:

     [--] seitsemäntenä päivänä olkoon Herran juhla.

     [--] he seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord.

   • 1938, Bible, Luke 2:41:

     Ja hänen vanhempansa matkustivat joka vuosi Jerusalemiin pääsiäisjuhlille.

     Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover..

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
10. (chiefly in fixed expressions) holiday

• The word can be used in either the plural or singular, but there is a difference in nuance. The singular form juhla is often used when the party is considered bigger, more public, more official or formal, or taking place at a more spacious venue. On the other hand, the plural form juhlat has a nuance that the party is private or taking place at 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 vierasta. (plural)

  I had 30 guests at my party.

• halju