påskafton

Påskafton, Easter Eve, is the Saturday of the Easter weekend, the day before Påskdagen (Easter Sunday). In Sweden it marks the transition from the pre-Easter period into the main Easter celebrations, although it is not a formal public holiday. The day is traditionally associated with family gatherings, preparations for Easter and springtime activities.

A prominent Swedish Easter custom is the display of påskris, branches of willow decorated with colorful feathers and ornaments, which is placed in homes and often in storefronts starting in the weeks around Easter. Many families organize or participate in egg-related activities, such as decorating and hiding eggs for children to find, and giving påskägg (Easter eggs) filled with candies or small gifts.

Food plays an important role during Påskafton. Dishes commonly feature eggs and salmon, along with herring, bread, and other seasonal items. Some households also prepare a festive Easter meal that can include meat dishes or lamb, reflecting regional and family traditions. The Easter buffet, or Påskbord, is a central element of the holiday for many Swedes.

Religious observance varies. Some attend church services in the afternoon or evening, while others mark the weekend with secular celebrations and springtime activities. Public holidays around Easter in Sweden include Good Friday and Easter Monday, with Påskafton serving as a social and cultural culmination of the week.

Overall, Påskafton is characterized by family time, decorations, egg-related activities, and preparations that lead into Easter Sunday, reflecting both cultural and religious aspects of the season.