Easter traditions in Finland and how you can take part of them
Easter in Finland is a time of celebration, marking the arrival of spring and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday is rich in traditions that combine elements of Christianity, pagan rituals, and folklore. From Easter eggs to witches, Finnish Easter customs offer a unique glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage. These are the traditions you can take parf on your next Easter trip to Nallikari, Oulu, Finland.
Trick or Treat Finnish Style
One of the most charming Easter traditions in Finland is the custom of Easter witches, reminiscent of Halloween’s trick-or-treating. Children dress up as witches, donning colorful costumes and carrying decorated branches. Armed with these branches, they go door to door, wishing neighbors a happy Easter saying “Virvon, varvon, tuoreeks terveeks, tulevaks vuodeks; vitsa sulle, palkka mulle!” and exchanging their branches for sweets and coins. This tradition, known as “virpominen,” is a playful blend of Christian and pagan customs, symbolizing the arrival of spring and warding off evil spirits.
Usually this traditional takes place on Palm Sunday, a week before the first Easter day. So if you are planning to spend Easter time in Finland and Nallikari, prepare yourself and your kids with nice costumes, decorated branches and a big basket with a lot of space for chocolate, candies and small coins.
Finnish Easter Treats – Eat Like a Local
No Finnish Easter celebration would be complete without indulging in traditional Easter foods! Try to cook these in your own accommodation. All accommodation options in Nallikari including Nallikari Aalto hotel apartments, Poiju Villas and Holiday Cottages have own kitchen.
Roast lamb holds a significant place on the Easter table in many cultures, including Finland and it is the most common main course for a Finnish Easter Sunday dinner. The preparation of roast lamb varies from household to household, but it often involves marinating the meat with a blend of herbs and spices to enhance its flavor. Roast lamb is typically accompanied by an array of side dishes such as roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables.
Mämmi is unusual and very unique Finnish Easter dessert made from water, rye flour, and powdered malted rye. Mämmi may look questionable with its distinct dark color but it is definitely worth to try! It is typically served cold, either plain or with a dollop of cream and a sprinkle of sugar. Some people also enjoy mämmi with milk or vanilla sauce. Nowadays there are also modern interpretations of the dish that cater to different tastes and preferences. You can even find mämmi flavoured ice cream from the biggest supermarkets!
Another staple of the Finnish Easter table is the Pasha, a creamy dessert made from quark, sugar, and often flavored with vanilla or almonds. Pasha is typically molded into a pyramid shape and decorated with nuts and dried fruits. Originally this dessert arrived to Finland from Russia along with Karelian migrants and it has been one of the main dishes on the Easter table ever since.
Decoration traditions – design your own souvenirs
Easter in Finland is also a time for decorative displays, as households adorn their homes with symbols of the season. Colorful Easter eggs, intricately decorated by children and adults alike, are a common sight. These eggs are often displayed in baskets or hung on branches, adding a festive touch to the home.
Another common this is growing Easter grass, “rairuoho“, as a symbol of becoming spring time. The seeds are watered regularly, and within a week or two, they begin to sprout and grow into lush green grass. Once the grass has grown sufficiently, it is often used as a decorative element in Easter celebrations. It may be placed on the Easter table as a centerpiece or used to adorn other decorations such as Easter baskets or displays.
You can buy the seeds or even the ready grown up grass from the Supermarket Toppila only 1,5 kilometers away from Nallikari. You can also find the many options for the Easter eggs at the samr Supermarket without forgetting the delicious chocolate eggs!
Outdoor activities during Easter
Finnish people often go outdoors during Easter. Easter falls during the transition from winter to spring in Finland, so the activities enjoyed outdoors includes sunshine and season’s last opportunities to enjoy winter activities such as cross-country skiing, sliding snowshoeing and even ice fishing.
As the days grow longer and the weather becomes milder, many Finns enjoy taking leisurely walks in nature during Easter. This could involve exploring nearby forests such as Hietasaari area in Oulu, Nallikari and listen to the birdsong for the nearby birdwatching towers and fire places.
Nallikari Safaris – Safari and Experience center is located by the sea at Nallikari Aalto. Rent equipment online, participate one of their guided tours and enjoy the Easter activities like a local.
Still looking for an accommodation from your next trip to Northern Finland and Oulu? Please check our offers and book your stay now; www.nallikari.fi/reservations.
More inspiration www.visitoulu.fi.
