Swedish Easter Traditions Include Feathers, 'Hags' and of Course, Lots of Eggs!

Tomorrow marks the first day of Påsklov (the Easter Holidays) here in Sweden. 

You might be surprised to hear that easter is celebrated in Sweden, given that many are devout atheists. But actually, Easter is a big deal, even if the tradition is largely secular. Colourful feathers to appear on birch branches and little eggs are hung from twigs (as seen in my home above!). 

Although it might all look a bit different this year, usually the main 'eggcitement' (sorry!) starts on Skärtorsdagen (Maundy Thursday) when children dress up as Påskkäringor (Easter hags) and wander from door to door - wearing brightly coloured head scarves and faces painted with rosy cheeks and freckles  - asking for sweets (scroll down to the last picture in this post to see how cute they look!). 

Families gather on Påskafton (Easter Saturday - yes, they never can quite wait until the 'main day'!) and tuck into a smorgasbord of pickled herring, salmon, new potatoes, lamb, a cheese flan, various egg dishes as well as other delicacies - which is interspersed with singing as well as schnapps and beer. Post lunch games include egg rolling and 'egg picking' and of course, the children enjoy lots of chocolate delivered by the Påskhare (the Easter hare!). 

All in all, a really fun holiday.  

If you're looking for some pretty, yet simple ways to decorate your home this easter, here are few ideas: 

7 beautifully simple Easter craft ideas

My big easter DIY edit

Easter touches in a charming Swedish home

Also, you might like to whip up my favourite Swedish Easter dish: gubröra - it's great on crisp bread!

Oh, and for a fun touch on the easter table, try this easter bunny napkin idea!

What easter traditions do you have in your country?

I'm taking a few days off to spend a little time with my family and will be back again on Tuesday, 5th April. 

Wishing you all a wonderful week!  

Niki

PS the eggs in the picture are by Afro Art who sell some lovely easter decorations!

Photo: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home

Styling: Helen Sturesson

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A Young Couple's Classic & Elegant Danish Home

MSH is turning into a bit of a Danish home love fest this week. This is the third home I've shared from that Nordic country this week (I hope you enjoyed the lovely pastel infused apartment on Tuesday and the summer cabin yesterday!). When you see the pictures, I'm sure you'll understand why! Twenty-four-year-old Liva Tholstrup and her boyfriend have decorated their turn-of-the-century apartment in Frederiksbjerg, Aarhus in an elegant, classic Scandinavian style, combining earthy tones with design classics and a wealth of natural materials. Pretty ceramic collections, an array of vases and various wall decor help to give the space a lovely homely vibe. Julie Wittrup Pladsbjerg and Mikkel Dahlstrøm of Another Studio were there to snap some pictures. 

I love this look, simply because I really love the classic Danish style. It helps that the apartment has incredible bones too - which add a decorative touch to the simple aesthetic. 

Is there anything that caught your eye? 

When I was 24 (the same age as Liva) I had recently graduated from university and was living in Dubai, working as an event organiser. I was living in a shared rental apartment. I remember decorating my room (painting the walls, putting up posters etc) but it certainly wasn't in the same calibre as this! Where were you and what did your accommodation look like when you were 24? 

See more snapshots of Liva's lovely home here - and there's a wonderful article about it in Alt. magazine (in Danish). 

You can also check out more Danish homes in this archive! 

It's SO sunny and warm here today, in fact the nicest day we've had in months. So, I'm heading off in a minute to catch a few rays Scandi style (winter coat buttoned up, face angled towards the sun!). I hope the sun is shining where you are too! 

Niki

Photography: Another Studio - shared with kind permission

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