Easter Sunday

Easter, a central Christian observance, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event described in the New Testament. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by a period known as Lent, a forty-day duration of fasting, prayer, and penance. It is laden with profound religious symbolism and observance practices making it a time of solemnity, celebration, family gatherings, and feasting.

There is evidence that Easter observances were held in Denmark since the middle ages, preceding even the establishment of Christianity as the state religion. Danish people consider Easter a particularly important time, as Denmark has deep-rooted Christian cultural history. It is also significant because it symbolizes the victory of spring over winter, of life over death, and given Denmark’s geographical location and climate, this aspect of Easter has considerable resonance.

In modern-day Denmark, Easter is observed with both religious and secular customs. Danish churches hold special Easter services, and many people attend these services to honor the religious aspect of the holiday. Secular observances of Easter in Denmark include time spent with family and friends, Easter egg hunts for children, and more notably "gækkebreve", the tradition of sending anonymous letters with a snowdrop attached. The holiday usually occurs from Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday in late March or early April, depending on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. This period is a public holiday in Denmark, allowing people to fully participate in the festive observances.