Easter Sunday

Easter, also known as Påsk in Sweden, belongs to the key religious festivities in the Christian calendar, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a significant event that illustrates the triumph of good over evil. The holiday embodies key values such as rebirth, hope, and renewal, and it's often characterised by various unique traditions, festive meals, Easter eggs, and a lively spirit of communal celebration.

The practice of Easter in Sweden has deep historical roots that trace back to the early Christian era. Over the years, Swedish Easter has evolved and presently combines religious traditions with elements of folklore and secular celebration. It presents an intriguing blend of church services and playful customs such as Easter egg hunting. Children in Sweden often dress up as Easter witches, known as påskkärringar, derived from an old belief that witches flew to a mythical German mountain the Thursday before Easter to cavort with Satan. On their return, it was believed the witches would reward those who had left treats for them.

In Sweden, Easter is typically observed during a week-long break known as the Easter holiday or Påsklov. This usually includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Monday as public holidays. The Eastertide actually commences with the Palm Sunday and culminates on Easter Sunday. The Easter Eve is traditionally the main day of celebration, filled with family gatherings, feastings, and activities such as egg painting. The dates vary each year, falling between late March and late April, generally following the lunar calendar and the date of the Spring Equinox. The blend of religious observance with uniquely Swedish traditions makes Easter a vibrant and anticipated period in Sweden.