Pääsiäisen

Pääsiäinen is the Finnish word for Easter, a major Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of religious significance, but also of cultural traditions and springtime renewal. The celebration typically begins on Good Friday, known as pitkäperjantai, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.

Holy Saturday, hiljainen lauantai, is a day of quiet anticipation. Easter Sunday, pääsiäissunnuntai, is the central day of the holiday, marked by church services and family gatherings. Easter Monday, toinen pääsiäispäivä, is also a public holiday in Finland, allowing for further continuation of the festivities.

Traditional Finnish Easter customs include decorating Easter eggs, often with vibrant colors and patterns. These eggs symbolize new life and resurrection. Children often dress up as witches, known as pääsiäisnoita, carrying birch twigs adorned with colorful feathers and visiting houses to wish for good luck and receive small treats. This practice is reminiscent of older pagan traditions associated with the arrival of spring.

Food plays a significant role in Finnish Easter celebrations. Typical dishes include lamb, Karelian pies (karjalanpiirakka), and various pastries. A popular Easter dessert is mämmi, a dark, porridge-like dish made from rye flour and malt, often seasoned with sugar and served with cream or milk. The season also marks the end of the Lenten fast for many, leading to a richer culinary experience.