Easter in Norway is a big deal. When I left work last Friday, before Palm Sunday, it was like Christmas. Everybody saying Happy Easter with a broad smile. The atmosphere was different.
However, it has nothing to do with religion. Have you noticed that most Norwegians nowadays are not religious? For them, Easter has nothing to do with Jesus dying on the cross and coming back to life a couple of days later to show us about true love and that life continues after death.
Wanna know what’s inside a Norwegian’s mind on Easter time? Here is my answer and my tips to get you into the Norwegian Easter mood.
Nature is the religion all Norwegians follow.
In Norway, the seasons are very distinct from each other. Finally, after a long cold dark Winter, Spring has come. It’s a very special time for us all up here.
Skiing in April is completely different from skiing in February. The landscape is different. There is more green, even though snow is still there. Days are longer and sky is brighter. The sun is warmer. We wear fewer layers of clothes, thiner jackets. Everybody is so happy and joyful. Strangers smile to you and greet you along the way.
Check my post about cross-country skiing tips for immigrants here.
There are fewer storms and more Sunny days at Easter time. Usually.
Easter = Cabin in the mountains
It’s a time when most cabin owners drive there to spend almost a week in perfect union with nature. You see people from all ages smiling, skiing up and down. You see more picnics and children sliding down with their sleds.
No way you’re be in a cabin? Act like you’re in one:
Even inside the cabins, the Easter atmosphere is unique. There’s more board games like Ludo, chess, Monopoly, Alias, even complicated puzzles. And the most famous Norwegian game: Quiz. On Easter time, there’s always EASTER QUIZ. (New post with a special Easter Quiz for you coming this week. Subscribe so that you get yours by e-mail 😉 )
Crime.
I don’t know why, but Easter in Norway is time to read crime books and watch crime films. Every Norwegian is reading a crime book right now. I’ve just started reading mine. I don’t like crime books, but this one was from my book club and seems actually interesting.
Even on the asphalt there are yellow flowers growing in the Springtime
Yellow is the color of Easter in Norway.
I think it’s due to the first Spring flowers which are yellow (Easter Lillies). Or maybe the chicks. The thing is: you see yellow everywhere. From the flowers to the whole decoration. You see yellow pillows, bed linen, table cloth, napkins, yellow flowers like daffodil everywhere. Even clothes. Norwegians wear more yellow at this period of time, specially those who knit cardigans for their children and grandchildren. Older generation wear yellow scarfs too.
I love it! I think it’s cheerful and cozy.
Children and Easter egg hunt. They give children cute eggs with candies inside. There are small chocolate eggs too. Easter bunny is popular in Norway as the eggs deliverer, but not so present in the decoration. Decor is all about the chicks.
Last Saturday, Stavanger municipality promoted an Easter egg hunt in Stavanger region. They hid 450 Easter eggs in 45 parks and beaches. Check the video on my Instagram Juliana.in.Norway.
Easter in the city. Museums offer Easter workshops for children to make chicks, eggs, you name it. Going for a walk and enjoying the nature and historical city is a must do. Remember the Norwegian saying: “There’s no such a thing as bad weather, only bad choice of clothes.” Get yourself out there and enjoy the fresh air.
Have a wonderful Easter.
It’s amazing these yellow colours all around .
Maybe because it’s a very happy colour in a happy season .
Yes, I believe so. Plus it’s the first Spring flowers 🌼💛😊