Definition:
The “Easter Witch” is a fictional character in Scandinavian folklore, particularly in Sweden and parts of Finland, associated with Easter traditions.
Etymology:
The term “Easter Witch” translates to “påskkärring” in Swedish and “pääsiäisnoita” in Finnish, with “påsk” and “pääsiäis” meaning “Easter” and “kärring” and “noita” meaning “witch.”
Description:
The Easter Witch tradition is an important part of Easter celebrations in Sweden and Finland. In Sweden, the tradition is celebrated on Maundy Thursday (Skärtorsdag) or Holy Saturday (Påskafton). In Finland, the tradition occurs on Palm Sunday in Western Finland and Holy Saturday in Eastern Finland.
The tradition of Easter Witch is similar to Halloween and Christmas caroling, also known as Yule Goat, or Christmas Goat. The concept involves children dressing up as witches, wearing old, ragged clothes, aprons, headscarves, and sometimes painted freckles and rosy cheeks. They carry copper kettles or baskets to collect treats. Children go door-to-door, offering drawings, cards, small gifts and/or recite rhymes or blessings for good fortune and health in exchange for candy or coins.
Figures of Easter witches with headscarves riding on broomsticks, often with a coffee pot and a black cat, have become common Easter decorations in Sweden.
Religion:
The tradition has roots in pre-Christian beliefs about witches. According to folklore, witches would fly to Blåkulla (the Blue Mountain) on brooms to meet the devil for a feast during Holy Week. Beliefs in witches and their gatherings at Blåkulla were widespread during the Middle Ages. These beliefs eventually merged with Christian traditions.
In the 17th century, fear of witches caused brutal persecution of innocent women and trails. More than 200 women were tortured to death in Sweden.
During Swedish Easter, bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits, including witches.
With the advent of Christianity, these beliefs were incorporated into Easter celebrations. The Easter Witch became a playful figure rather than one associated with fear and superstition.
The modern practice of children dressing up as Easter Witches and going door-to-door became popular in the early 20th century, evolving into a cherished cultural tradition.