April traditions

It's April - no fooling, this is the best month for some Swedish traditions! From bears to hags and tricks to bonfires, there's something to enjoy for the whole family!

April Fool’s Day: Tuesday 1st April

Traditionally a day when you can't trust anyone - they might be trying to make a fool of you! There is a classic Swedish joke that your friends might remember their parents talking about: in 1962, SVT reported that you could adapt your black-and-white TV to watch your favourite shows in colour – simply by putting a piece of panties over the set! If you can manage to get a better joke, we want to hear it!

Påsk (Easter)

Although many Swedes don't practise Christianity as much as they used to, most still celebrate one of the most important events in the Christian calendar: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter in Sweden takes place over several days in Sweden, each one with its own significance and tradition:

Dymmelonsdagen 5th April
Dymmelonsdagen takes its name from the wooden sticks, dymblar, that replace the metal clappers of the bells on this day in Scandinavia. Also known as klockonsdag, or 'Bell Wednesday', the idea is to give as subdued a tone as possible on the Wednesday before Easter: an indication that it is Holy Week and Good Friday is approaching.

Skärtorsdagen (Maundy Thursday) 6th April
Skär comes from an ancient Swedish word for ‘pure’ or ‘clean’, said to refer to Jesus washing his disciples’ feet before the Last Supper. Skärtorsdagen is a celebration of this, but the day is also significant for pagans: when witches are said to celebrate their sabbath with the devil. This explains the tradition of dress children up as Påskkärring: Easter hags, who go from house to house hoping to get sweets, reminiscent of Halloween. Watch out for adorable children in head-scarves and painted rosy cheeks with freckles - they'll be some of the cutest witches you'll ever meet!

Långfredagen (Good Friday) 7th April
Good Friday is a national holiday in Sweden, marking the occasion of Christ's death. Church-goers will note an empty alter save for 5 red roses symbolising Jesus' wounds; and there will be no music, denoting the sombreness of the occasion. For many Swedes, Easter marks the first weekend of spring and they will engage in some much-needed tidying up of their summer house in anticipation of trips to come.

Påskafton (Holy Saturday) 8th April
While there are no services in the church, this is regarded as 'Easter Eve' by Swedes and the big meal (similar to the julbord) tends to happen on this night, with eggs heavily represented on the menu since these were traditionally forbidden during the Lenten season leading up to Easter. They also mark new life and the coming of spring and traditionally children will receive cardboard eggs filled with candy. In some parts of Sweden, this is also the day to light a bonfire to scare the witches coming back from their Sabbath! S

Påskdagen (Easter Sunday) Sunday 9th April
The sad atmosphere at church is replaced with joyful service, many hymns and the roses replaces with a white alter and daffodils. It's also a day of eating up the remains of yesterdays meal, including all the candy, and hanging out with loved ones for another day. Easter Monday is a national holiday, so if you don't happen to have a summer house, it's a nice chance to take a mini-break!

Tiburtiusdagen: 14th April

This is the day when, according to Swedish folklore, summer begins and the bears wake up from hibernation - you can check whether this is true by visiting Skansen and seeing those snoozy brown bears for yourself! Traditionally, it's said that if Tiburtius Day was warm and beautiful, summer would be cold and rainy... so pray for rain on the 14th!

Valborgsmässoafton (Walpurgis Night): 30th April

As we know, the sun is important in Sweden - and what better way to welcome it than a big old bonfire! Originally lit to scare off predators before the farm animals are allowed out, this has become a huge family event with singing, dancing, games and fun. Check out if there's something happening near you - or make the trip to Uppsala where this day is really celebrated in style by the students!