pääsiäispyhien

Pääsiäispyhien is the Finnish term for the Easter holidays. It refers to the period of religious observance and cultural celebration that culminates on Easter Sunday and often extends into Easter Monday. This period marks the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a central event in Christianity.

In Finland, Pääsiäispyhien is a significant public holiday. Good Friday, known as Pitkäperjantai, is a solemn day of remembrance. Easter Sunday, Pääsiäissunnuntai, is the main day of celebration, often involving church services. Easter Monday, or Toisen pääsiäispäivä, is also a public holiday, allowing for continued festivities or relaxation.

Traditional Finnish Easter customs include decorating Easter eggs, which are often boiled and dyed in bright colors. Children may dress up as witches, or noidat, carrying decorated birch twigs and going door-to-door to sing Easter greetings in exchange for treats, a practice reminiscent of some Swedish traditions. Easter meals typically feature lamb or other seasonal dishes. The arrival of spring and the end of the Lenten fast also contribute to the festive atmosphere surrounding Pääsiäispyhien. Many Finns use this time to visit family and friends or to enjoy outdoor activities as the weather begins to improve.