When you think of Easter, images of pastel-colored eggs, fluffy bunnies, and family gatherings often come to mind. However, picture this: a cozy afternoon, the scent of chocolate wafting through the air, while you settle in for a marathon of your favorite crime show and await Easter witches at the door.
This is Easter in Scandinavia.
Skiing and Outdoor Activities
Where are our brooms?
While many people associate Easter with blooming flowers and sunny picnics, it’s a very different picture in Scandinavia. the Easter break usually means the last ski trip. Skiing during Easter can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you find yourself in a picturesque mountain resort. The snow may be breaking up, but there is probably enough for one more run.
Nonreligious Easter Festivities
Unique Easter Traditions in Scandinavia
For many people, Easter is more about family gatherings and springtime celebrations than religious observance.
Crime series and trivia
Scandinavia boasts some truly unique Easter traditions that reflect its rich cultural heritage. In Sweden and western Finland, for instance, children dress up as “Easter witches” wearing old clothes and headscarves while going door-to-door asking for candy—much like Halloween in other parts of the world. This charming custom is rooted in folklore that associates witches with the arrival of spring and renewal.
As they collect treats from neighbors, these little witches bring joy and excitement to the holiday.
In Denmark, Easter is celebrated with a charming and playful tradition known as gækkebreve, or “snowdrop letters.” These are intricately cut and decorated paper notes, often accompanied by a pressed snowdrop flower and a rhyming riddle. Children send these anonymous letters to family and friends, signing them only with a series of dots—one for each letter of their name. If the recipient can’t guess who sent the letter, they owe the sender a chocolate Easter egg. This delightful game of wit and surprise adds a uniquely Danish touch to the Easter season, blending creativity, springtime cheer, and a sweet reward.
In Norway, another fascinating tradition involves decorating homes with colorful eggs and flowers while also indulging in crime series and mysteries known as “påskekrim.” Interestingly enough, many Norwegians enjoy reading crime novels and watching murder mysteries during the Easter break—a quirky combination that highlights their love for mystery stories alongside traditional holiday celebrations. This blend of literature and festivity creates a unique atmosphere that sets Scandinavian Easter apart from other regions.
Norwegians are also exceptionally keen on Easter trivia, the old fashioned way, with whole books dedicated for Easter trivia challenges and contests. Norwegians also have the interesting Easter tradition of going to Sweden to buy discount liquor and groceries, sometimes in large convoys. Waking up early, Norwegians set across the border for this annual tradition.
It becomes clear that Easter is more than just a single day on the calendar; it’s an opportunity for creativity, connection, and celebration (and maybe even cheaper alcohol) in all its forms. Whether you’re embracing traditional customs or forging your own path through untraditional festivities, there’s no wrong way to celebrate this vibrant holiday, especially in Scandinavia.
English