Swedish easter

As the long, cold winter slowly comes to an end in Sweden Sweden, Easter is a most-welcome sign of spring. It’s the time of year when nature awakens to new life. It’s a time of renewal, for nature and people.

In the weeks before Easter, the greyness of winter is brightened by cheerful Easter decorations. Homes are decorated with feathered birch twigs called Påskris and Easter ornaments, such as small chicks or decorated eggs.

Swedes celebrate Easter with a buffet of herring, various salmon dishes, potatoes, crispbread, cheese, eggs and, of course, schnapps. It’s a slightly “lighter” smörgåsbord compared to the food during the Christmas season, but it’s complemented with different types of sweets such as marzipan eggs with chocolate-dipped ends.

In the 17th century it was believed that Easter was when witches would fly on brooms to blåkulla. Today, the tradition of påskkärringar is very similar to Halloween. Children search attics and wardrobes for the perfect påskkärring or witch costume. They paint their faces with big red lips and black freckles. They find a broom and a basket and then walk around the neighbourhood knocking on doors, wishing everyone a happy Easter. If they are lucky, the neighbours will give them some candy or money.