påskeæg

Påskeæg, a term used in Danish (påskeæg) and Norwegian (påskeegg), refers to Easter eggs and encompasses both real eggs prepared for Easter and the popular chocolate eggs sold for the holiday. The word combines forms of Easter with egg and is used to describe traditional eggs as well as modern confectionery variants.

Historically, eggs have long been associated with themes of fertility, renewal and rebirth, and their display at Easter became widespread in Europe during the medieval period. In Christian contexts, Easter eggs symbolized the resurrection and the end of Lent’s fasting, leading to customs centered on eggs as part of Easter celebrations. Over time, decorating eggs and exchanging them became common in many households.

Preparation and decoration of påskeæg vary widely. Real eggs are often hard-boiled and then dyed or painted using dyes, paints, or natural colorings (for example from onion skins, beet juice, or cabbage). Some eggs are blown or emptied before decorating to retain the shell for longer. In many countries, the practice includes decorative patterns, wax-resist techniques, or simple color coatings. Parallel to real eggs, chocolate påskeæg are widely produced and marketed, sometimes wrapped in foil or molded into various shapes and filled with surprises.

Modern practice typically combines traditional and commercial elements. Families may dye and hide real or hollowed eggs for children to find in Easter egg hunts, while chocolate eggs are exchanged or included in Easter baskets. Påskeæg thus reflect both historical symbolism and contemporary festive customs across Northern Europe.