Visit Scandinavia

Easter in Scandinavia

March 20, 2008

After the long winter, the celebration of Easter coincides with the anticipated arrival of springtime.

For Scandinavians this means an explosion of vivid colours. Visit any market, in any town square across the country, and you are sure to find bright yellow daffodils and other yellow flowers in abundance.

Witches

Witches are part of Easter tradition, with stories told to frighten children of witches flying off to meet with the devil at Blåkulla (Blue Mountain). Today little girls dress up as friendly witches in head scarves and long skirts with aprons, their faces painted with rosy cheeks and dark freckles. They go from house to house looking for candy or coins.

Selma

Food served at Easter has retained some of the religious significance and traditions of days gone by. The delicious semla, a three-level sweet bun filled with cream and almond paste was eaten first at Shrovetide and then on Tuesdays in Lent. Now you can find the buns well before Lent…

Want to know more about Easter in Scandinavia, click here