A Scandinavian Easter

Our founder Elin shares how Easter is celebrated in Sweden, and some of the traditions she grew up with.

To me, Easter in Sweden is all about welcoming spring and celebrate mother earth waking up after a few months of rest. Spent with family the way it's always been done, and like many traditions in Sweden, it feels nostalgic, a little whimsical, wholesome, and rooted in old beliefs.

It's a milestone of something shifting, the ice has melted away, the birds have started singing again, the light returns, the forest turns green, and the first blooms after snow appear. 

Spending Easter in Sweden this year after almost 20 years in Australia feels so good for my soul. Being able to give my boys a similar experience to what I had growing up, it’s hard to explain, but it feels incredibly special.

A few of the swedish traditions for Easter are to bring the outside in, usually 'vide' or simple birch twigs picked from outside, either left bare or decorated as 'påskris' with painted eggshells and feathers. 

Daffodils on the table and simple Easter crafts with the kids, making little chickens in all shapes and forms, Easter cards and painting eggs.
It doesn't have to be perfect. Just making something together that reflects the feeling of the season.

Another sweet tradition, probably my favourite, is children dressing as 'påskkärringar' (Easter witches) with scarves tied under their chins, cheeks painted, often with an apron and a broom or teapot to match.

Originally, it comes from old folklore where it was believed witches flew to a place called Blåkulla over Easter. It later turned into something playful and joyful.

It's that in between season, similar to Australia around Easter, where you can wear your lighter layers but paired with a knit and boots, maybe a coat and a scarf. I love this way of dressing. It feels light, but cosy.

The food is simple, and quite similar to the swedish Christmas table, but a bit lighter and more focus on fish. Herring, salmon, eggs, 'skagen' which is a type of shrimp, dill & fish roe mixture, and 'janssons frestelse', a potato gratin with anchovies in it (it's delicious!)

Instead of chocolate eggs like in Australia, we usually have larger cardboard eggs that you can keep from year to year, often beautifully illustrated even on the inside. We fill them with sweets or a small gift for the kids, and sometimes have a little treasure hunt to find the eggs. 

I picked up two super cute Easter eggs for my boys in the local second hand shop that I will bring with me home to Australia to continue this tradition for them. 

Easter here feels grounding. A reminder to simplify and prioritise rest.

A slow weekend at home with craft, family time, picking the first flowers after snow, share some delicious food together, and being outside in the spring sunshine.

It’s the simple moments that usually have the biggest impact.

Wishing you a restful, nurturing and joyful weekend with your loved ones.