Swedish Easter Traditions Include Feathers, 'Hags' and of Course, Lots of Eggs!
3:47 AM
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Tomorrow marks the first day of Påsklov (the Easter Holidays) here in Sweden.
You might be surprised to hear that easter is celebrated in Sweden, given that many are devout atheists. But actually, Easter is a big deal, even if the tradition is largely secular. Colourful feathers to appear on birch branches and little eggs are hung from twigs (as seen in my home above!).
Although it might all look a bit different this year, usually the main 'eggcitement' (sorry!) starts on Skärtorsdagen (Maundy Thursday) when children dress up as Påskkäringor (Easter hags) and wander from door to door - wearing brightly coloured head scarves and faces painted with rosy cheeks and freckles - asking for sweets (scroll down to the last picture in this post to see how cute they look!).
Families gather on Påskafton (Easter Saturday - yes, they never can quite wait until the 'main day'!) and tuck into a smorgasbord of pickled herring, salmon, new potatoes, lamb, a cheese flan, various egg dishes as well as other delicacies - which is interspersed with singing as well as schnapps and beer. Post lunch games include egg rolling and 'egg picking' and of course, the children enjoy lots of chocolate delivered by the Påskhare (the Easter hare!).
All in all, a really fun holiday.
If you're looking for some pretty, yet simple ways to decorate your home this easter, here are few ideas:
Also, you might like to whip up my favourite Swedish Easter dish: gubröra - it's great on crisp bread!
Oh, and for a fun touch on the easter table, try this easter bunny napkin idea!
What easter traditions do you have in your country?
I'm taking a few days off to spend a little time with my family and will be back again on Tuesday, 5th April.
Wishing you all a wonderful week!
Niki
PS the eggs in the picture are by Afro Art who sell some lovely easter decorations!
Photo: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home
Styling: Helen Sturesson
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