So how is Easter celebrated in Norway?
In Norway, Easter break is longer than in many other European countries. ‘Easter’ in Norway is called ‘Påske’. Though the celebrations of Easter
in Norway are not very different from that of the celebrations in the
other parts of the world, the Easter here are characterized by more
colorful celebrations and longer holidays.
The Easter holidays
begin on Wednesday afternoon even before the Maundy Thursday, and wrap
up on Tuesday morning after Easter Monday. It lasts a long time here
so we need to plan our shopping well. The stores are closed most of Easter so be prepared to stand in line.
What I found surprising is that families here actually decorate for
Easter. The major discount store chain has taken out several shelves in
each store with Easter decorations. Yellow is the prevailing color with
an emphasis on springtime, with flowers, candles (of course!),
ornaments of baby chickens or ducks, and more cardboard eggs. Painted
ceramic eggs as containers are also quite common.
Marzipan is a great favorite here in Norway.
At holiday times it comes in many forms. Right now you can buy marzipan chicks
and bunnies and chocolate covered marzipan eggs. Oh, and if you expect a visit
from the Easter bunny you will be disappointed. In Norway, we have the Easter chicken.
The long holiday makes Easter a very popular time for Norwegians to take
trips to the cabins in the mountains for a final ski tour before spring
melts away the winter snow. I don’t ski yet, but – five and a half
days off? Now that's what I call a 'happy Easter'. This year we are staying home. My mother-in-law will be coming tomorrow to visit us from Tromsø (north of Norway). My parents will be arriving also on Thursday. It's their first time to visit Norway and spend Easter holiday here.
Easter Holidays become a long weekend rejuvenation phase for most of the
people in the country and is thus the longest awaited holiday too!
Happy Easter to all! (God påske til alle!)
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