Tekkari Cap
Among Teekkaris, no object is more symbolic than the Teekkari Cap. With a history spanning over 150 years, the cap in Otaniemi has maintained its current form since 1893. At first glance, it may resemble the Finnish high school graduation cap, but the Teekkari cap has its own unmistakable identity, a hexagonal shape and a black tassel.
The Teekkari cap is traditionally a summer cap and can only be worn between 1.5 and 30.9. You can, however, wear it during the winter with special permission from AYY’s Teekkari Section (Teekkarijaosto). As a Fuksi, you’ll accumulate Fuksi Points throughout the year, and if you gather enough, you’ll earn the right to wear the cap. At midnight on the possibly organized Wappu, you may finally place it on your head with pride. If your points fall short, you may still wear it after Mother’s Day. The final day to wear the cap each year is Lakinlaskijaiset (“the lowering of the cap”).
Overalls
If the cap is the crown, then the overalls are the armor. Teekkaris wear them at countless events, and each guild has its own color and design. They are practical, often covered in pockets and loops, but they also serve as a kind of living record of the bearer’s student years. Data Guild’s overalls can be seen on the right. They are silver with a black sleeve.
Teekkaris decorate their overalls with patches that represent guilds, interests, and events attended. Patches are often exchanged between Teekkaris, and so are pieces of overalls. Even their placement can carry meaning: a guild patch is commonly worn on the left chest pocket, and romantic partners sometimes exchange a pant leg.
Fuksi point card
To earn the right to wear a Teekkari cap, a Fuksi must first complete the Teekkari cap diploma. At the beginning of the school year, new students will be given a Fuksi point card which they will use to keep track of their Fuksi adventures throughout the year. Points can be earned by taking part in events, trying out new things, getting involved in Teekkari culture, and generally making the most of your Fuksi year!
By collecting enough points, a Fuksi will earn the honor of receiving the Teekkari cap at the possibly organized Wappu. If a Fuksi goes above and beyond, they might even earn one of the special titles of honor reserved for the most active of Fuksis.
The point card will be handed out during Orientation Week. Your Fuksi Captain will verify your points, and you can always ask him if you’re unsure about how something counts- Don’t stress about points! The point card isn’t a competition or a checklist you gotta obsess over. If you join in, try new things, and get involved in Fuksi life, the points will come naturally. The goal is to have an incredible Fuksi year, “journey before destination”!
Sitsit & Epoch
Then there are Sitsit: academic table parties where people eat, sing, and survive the gaps between courses. A sitsit usually includes a three-course meal, but arriving hungry is unwise, as the evening is punctuated by songs and performances.
There are many kinds of Sitisit. Fancy Sitsit usually demand formal clothing and behavior, with dress codes such as dark suits for men and cocktail dresses for women. Data Guild’s Fuksisitsit are an example of such Sitsit. Another good example is Data Guild’s Annual Ball: Epoch. Epoch is organized each year to celebrate Data Guild’s birthday!
“A Teekkari sings rather than well”. Songs are usually led by a Songmaster, who knows how to keep the procession alive. Multiple Teekkari songbooks exist, with some guilds even having their own. In Data Guild, we use Tietokilta’s songbook, Kovalevy.
Wappu
Wappu, celebrated on May 1st, is perhaps the most important day for Teekkaris. The traditions vary by region, but in Otaniemi they have their own strange and beloved shape.
At Otaniemi, Wappu begins when/if the Fuksi Major decides to organize it. This usually occurs way earlier than 1.5., and is followed by celebrations, secret events, and playful Jäynäs. Wappu itself begins with the declaration of Wappu rowdiness on the eve of Wappu, and at midnight the Teekkari cap can finally be worn.
