This is how you say ‘Easter’ in Finnish, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish.
Although there are many similarities to British traditions, like Easter egg hunts, the Scandinavians have their own unique traditions.
Swedish children get to paint their eggs and dress up as Easter witches knocking doors asking for sweets (not dissimilar to Halloween tradition). According to Swedish folklore, during Easter the witches fly to the ‘Blue Mountain’ to meet the devil.
And Swedish homes are filled with birch twigs decorated with colorful feathers and the big lunch or dinner takes place on Holy Saturday rather than Easter Sunday.
The Norwegians have a lot to celebrate as they get the longest holiday break in Europe, with Easter holidays starting on Wednesday afternoon and ending on Easter Monday. And their long weekend is spent solving crimes, as the nation becomes obsessed with ‘Easter-Thrillers’ – with even the milk cartons taking part with murder stories printed on their sides.
And the Danes like to be romantic, starting their tradition way back in February, when they send teasing letters, writing secret poems to people they like. If the recipient can guess who sent the poem they receive a reward in form of an egg at Easter.
And in Finland they celebrate with Easter egg hunts for the kids and ham or lamb for lunch after church on Easter Sunday.
Whatever you do and how ever you wish to spend your Easter we wish you all a chocolate filled and relaxing Easter.
Glad Påsk!
From the KIDSEN Team
Please note:
Our opening hours during the Easter holidays are as follows:
Good Friday the 6th & Saturday 7th: 10.00-15.00
Easter Monday 9th : CLOSED
Tuesday 10th : 10.00-17.30
Wow, how much fun to read about the different traditions in the Sandinavian countries. I’m amazed how different they are. In Holland children make ‘easter sticks’ – crosses made from two sticks that are decorated with eggs, pretty bits, and a bread cockrel on top. These are carried around like in a procession. Happy Easter!