Sähköhääri

Sähköhääri is a Finnish term that translates directly to "electric hare" or "electric rabbit." It refers to a specific type of electromechanical toy that was popular in Finland, particularly during the mid-20th century. These toys typically featured a small, wind-up mechanism that, when activated, caused the toy to move erratically, mimicking the quick and unpredictable movements of a rabbit.

The construction of a sähköhääri usually involved a metal casing, often painted in bright colors, and a simple spring-loaded motor. When wound, the spring would unwind, driving a cam or eccentric wheel. This mechanism would then cause the toy's legs or body to vibrate or move in a jerky fashion, propelling it across a flat surface. The sound produced by the vibrating metal and the whirring mechanism was also a characteristic feature of these toys.

Sähköhääri toys were generally simple in design and were a common sight in Finnish households. They were particularly popular among children as inexpensive and entertaining playthings. While the specific manufacturer or origin of the earliest sähköhääri models is not widely documented, they are remembered fondly by many as a nostalgic part of Finnish childhood. Their popularity has waned with the advent of more sophisticated electronic toys, but they remain a recognizable symbol of a bygone era of simple mechanical amusements.