Pääsiäiset

Pääsiäiset is a significant Christian holiday in Finland, closely tied to the Easter festivities observed in many other Western countries. The term "Pääsiäiset" is derived from the Finnish language, with "pääsiä" translating to Easter and "isät" meaning families or family gatherings.

Traditionally, Pääsiäiset in Finland is a time for family reunions and holiday celebrations, often marked by the consumption of traditional foods and beverages. One of the most notable aspects of Pääsiäiset is the Easter egg, or "uevo," which is typically decorated and hidden for children to find. This tradition is similar to that of other countries celebrating Easter.

During Pääsiäiset, Finns often attend church services, particularly on Maanantai (Easter Monday), when many Orthodox Christmas services are held. Additionally, many Finns observe the Lent period, with some choosing to fast or participate in other spiritual practices leading up to Easter Sunday. Families often gather for shared meals on Easter Sunday, with dishes like korppu (a sweet bread) and salmiakki (salty licorice) being particularly popular.

As part of the Pääsiäiset celebrations, Finns often engage in games and activities, particularly related to the Easter egg hunt tradition. This may involve hiding and seeking, treasure hunts, and other games that involve the Easter eggs or eggs as a central theme. Overall, Pääsiäiset is an important time for family and community bonding in Finland, and serves as a celebration of the Christian Easter holiday.