Celebrate Påsk: Swedish Easter Traditions and Celebrations

Easter, or Påsk, is one of the most beloved holidays in Sweden, celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. It is a blend of Christian and pagan traditions, observed over several days, and is a time for family gatherings, reflection, and fun celebrations.

In Sweden, the festivities begin on Maundy Thursday (Skärtorsdag), when many people take a break from work. Traditionally, families enjoy a meal featuring herring, eggs, and other fish dishes. Children dress up as påskkärringar(Easter witches), a tradition that goes back to pagan times. They wear colorful clothes, headscarves, and painted freckles on their faces, going door-to-door to ask for candy, similar to Halloween.

Good Friday (Långfredag) is a more somber day when many Swedes attend church services, reflecting on the Christian significance of Easter. Some families also spend the day in quiet contemplation or enjoying nature.

The highlight of Easter in Sweden is Easter Sunday, a day for family meals and festive gatherings. The traditional Easter meal often includes påskmust, a special Swedish soft drink, as well as dishes like eggs, herring, and other Swedish delicacies. Easter egg hunts are also a favorite tradition, with children hunting for chocolate or candy-filled eggs hidden around the home or garden.

Easter Monday (Annandag påsk) is a public holiday, and many Swedes use the day to relax with family or engage in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, or walking in nature. It's a time to enjoy the spring weather, which marks the transition from winter to the warmer season.

Påsk in Sweden also has ties to Swedish folklore, especially with the custom of påskris – birch twigs decorated with colorful feathers that are placed in vases around homes as a symbol of new life and spring. This practice connects with the ancient belief in nature’s renewal during the spring equinox.



Overall, Påsk is a joyous holiday filled with Swedish traditions, food, and time spent with loved ones, making it a cherished part of Swedish culture and life.