Easter Sunday in Finland is an esteemed occasion commemorated with an amalgamation of church traditions and folk customs. It is thought to announce the advent of Springtime after the long and harsh Nordic winter. The Easter holiday, stretching from Good Friday to Easter Monday, is a statutory off for the Finnish populace, which they use as an opportunity to celebrate the religious significance and engage in traditional festivities.
The Finns usher in Easter with a plethora of rituals. Children, specifically in the coastal areas and the Åland Islands, dress up as witches and go about ‘virpominen’ (knocking on doors in exchange for treats). The tradition has similarities with Halloween in the United States. Homes are bedecked with vibrant spring decorations, such as yellow chickens, ranging from real hen to chocolates, and colorful feathers. A key feature of Finnish Easter is the ‘pääsiäiskokko’, or Easter bonfire, a tradition rooted in the belief that the fire wards off witches that become active during this time.
Finnish Easter delicacies play an integral part in the celebration. Mämmi, a traditional Finnish Easter dessert made from rye flour, is a must-have. Another quintessential Easter dish is the roasted lamb. Additionally, eggs, symbolic of rebirth and new life, are a significant part of Easter meals. As Finland is renowned for its birch forests, it is common to see unique birch sap beverages being consumed as a part of seasonal celebratory indulgence during Easter. While being deeply rooted in traditions, Finnish Easter is a way of reconnecting with the community while celebrating the rejuvenation of life and nature.