Witches and herring: Seven traditions that reveal it's Easter in Sweden [View all]

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Happy Easter, that time of year when the witches go to dance with the devil... wait, what? Yes, Swedish Easter traditions are a little different from what you may find elsewhere.

https://www.thelocal.se/20160326/six-super-swedish-family-easter-traditions



1. Witches

For the majority, Easter (påsk) is a secular event in Sweden and the fact that many children dress up as witches gives a clear indication that the origins of the spring festival predate Christianity. Folklore alleges that witches flew off on broomsticks to dance with the devil at a legendary meadow named Blåkulla ("blue hill" ), which Swedish parents are completely unfazed about their children re-enacting. On Maundy Thursday (skärtorsdag), you'll spot kids with painted faces and broomsticks. Some knock on doors asking for treats, much like American children do at Halloween.

2. Fake paper eggs in supermarkets

Whereas some countries have chocolate eggs over Easter, in Sweden you don't eat the Easter egg itself, but instead it's usually a beautifully painted paper shells crammed with candy goodies (påskägg). Many schools and families organise Easter egg hunts, giving children clues and riddles to help them track the sweets down.

3. Real eggs everywhere

Swedes are big dairy consumers most of the year but eggs are a breakfast staple over Easter as well as featuring on many a midday smörgåsbord or påskbord (Easter buffet table) with toppings including caviar and and shrimp-based sauces.

4. Fish, pickled

Eggs often complement the pickled herring which is at the heart of most Swedes' Easter meals, while others opt for salmon or dill. Another popular dish is Janssons Frestelse which translates to "Jansson's Temptation". It is a creamy casserole including potatoes, onions and sprats. All this will frequently be washed down by a glass (or three) of Swedish snaps. In case you were wondering, yes, this is exactly what Swedes eat at Christmas as well. And Midsummer. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

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Påskmust is like a sweet, spicy root beer containing hops, sugar, malt aroma and spices, and no alcohol. It's an essential component of any Easter-time meal. It is the Easter version of julmust, the Christmas drink that far outsells Coca Cola every December. Every year Swedes debate whether the two beverages taste the same (they do).