pääsiäinen

Pääsiäinen, known as Easter in English, is a significant Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated annually in spring, with the date varying each year based on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox, falling between March 22 and April 25. The core of the holiday is the celebration of Easter Sunday, which marks the resurrection and victory over death and sin.

The origins of pääsiäinen are rooted in religious traditions, but it also incorporates various cultural customs. In Finland, where the term originates, the holiday often involves specific regional and folk practices, including the decoration of eggs, the consumption of special foods like mämmi (a traditional rye pudding), and the gathering of family. Children may dress as "virvonta" or "virvottia," akin to witches, and go door-to-door exchanging painted eggs or small gifts.

Easter period includes several related observances, such as Good Friday, commemorating Jesus' crucifixion, and Easter Monday, a day for leisure and family activities. Churches hold special services and processions during this time. In broader Christian tradition, Easter is part of Holy Week, leading up to the celebration with activities symbolizing renewal, hope, and spiritual rebirth.

As a movable feast, pääsiäinen's customs and celebrations can vary across different regions and denominations. Despite these differences, the holiday universally signifies renewal and new beginnings, resonating with the arrival of spring in many cultures worldwide.