Easter in Sweden (Påsk) is a cheerful blend of Christian traditions, springtime celebrations, and playful folklore. It’s one of the most colorful holidays on the Swedish calendar, marked by vibrant decorations, family gatherings, and a strong connection to nature.
Easter Witches and Candy
One of Sweden’s most distinctive Easter traditions is the påskkärringar—children who dress up as friendly witches with painted faces and old scarves. On Holy Saturday, they go door to door with handmade cards or drawings in exchange for sweets, similar to Halloween trick-or-treating. The custom is rooted in old folklore that believed witches flew to Blåkulla (a mythical island) during Easter.
Decorations with a Springtime Touch
Swedes embrace spring through decorations. Birch twigs (påskris) are placed in vases and adorned with colorful feathers, eggs, and little wooden ornaments. Yellow dominates the palette—seen in candles, tablecloths, and floral arrangements, especially daffodils and tulips.
Food: Eggs, Herring, and Lamb
Food plays a central role in Swedish Easter. A traditional meal often includes:
Hard-boiled eggs decorated by children.
Pickled herring in various flavors.
Gravlax (cured salmon).
Janssons frestelse, a creamy potato and anchovy casserole.
Lamb as the main course in many families.
The meal is typically served buffet-style, similar to a smörgåsbord.
A Blend of Old and New
Though Sweden is largely secular, some families attend church on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. But for most Swedes, Easter is more about spending quality time together, relaxing in summer cottages, and enjoying the outdoors after a long winter.
