The great Easter getaway
After the long, dark winter, the Easter break sees many Swedes leaving the city and heading to the countryside. Niki Brantmark – a Londoner now living in Malmö with her own cottage plans – tells us more about Easter in Sweden
Traditionally a religious holiday around the world, Easter or Påsk is seen as a more secular affair in Sweden,” says Niki. “Although most Swedes live in the city these days, many flock to their summer cottages in the countryside to celebrate Påsk. ‘Escaping the city for a rural retreat is a ritual deeply engraved in the Swedish way of life,’ my friend Tove Webster explains. ‘The cottage is the perfect place to gather friends and family for traditional festivities.’
“The public holiday also heralds the first extended weekend of the year and an opportunity to ‘open up’ summer cottages for the season. ‘We turn on the water, throw open the shutters and air the rooms after the long, cold winter,’ another friend, Ullis Sjöström, tells me. ‘And then we put on a pot of a coffee, light a fire and fill our cottage with the smell of firewood and fresh coffee beans.’
Tasvo scarf in olive/rose, Lapuan Kanruit
“In the south, melting snow makes way for the return of migrating birds, while further north, locals might take to their skis and sledges to enjoy outdoor life before gathering Easter decorations, making the most of the last snow. ‘We love to take a walk in the forest – in any weather – and collect Påskris or birch twigs, which we decorate with colourful feathers,’ Ullis tells me. ‘And then we tuck into a traditional smörgåsbord made up of eggs, salmon and pickled herring.’
“Outside, children dressed as little Påskkärringor (Easter hags) roam the neighbourhood wearing brightly patterned headscarves, their cheeks painted rosy red and dotted with freckles,” says Niki. “And then the egg rolling games begin… but that’s another story!”
