What About Easter?

Many of my friends back home have asked me repeatedly to post things about the traditions of Finland on the holidays.  Easter is upon us now, and I wanted to share what little I do know about this holiday with my readers. 

For the most part, the traditions here in Finland seem to be the same as in the States.  It is a religious holiday afterall, and so most (if not all) of the religious observances apply.  I don't rightly know if there are differences in the religious traditions as we have not yet found/selected a church.  Beyond that I have discovered a few points of interest surrounding the holiday.

Today, for example, is Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter Sunday).  In the States I would expect to be handed a palm frond or cross made out of palm fronds at church.  This may be the case here as well (see above disclaimer).  What I am hoping for here is a knock on my door tonight.  Apparently, children aged 6mos to 13yrs or so will go door to door and wave a colorful stick at you while reciting a little poem.  The stick is generally something they have made with colorful feathers and do dads, although I think I found some in a store already made up.  Anyway, after this "ritual" is performed the recipient of this blessing is expected to give each child candy and/or money.  It is kind of like Halloween except the children perform for what they receive, and you as the home owner are left with good luck in your home.  I don't know if there ar any children in our building, but I am prepared, and just a little bit excited.

Now for something that my husband and I are both happy about:  the Finns celebrate Easter by having a four day weekend...both Friday and Monday off.  The only downside:  the stores are all closed on Friday, Sunday and Monday, meaning I have to actually be organized with my grocery shopping and not have the luxury of running to the store for those oft forgotten items.  Ah well, a small price to pay.

Finally, there are a number of Finnish food traditions, and while I know I have been told about more than just this one, it seems to be the only one that stuck in my brain (which is teflon, remember?)  So here it is:  I give you the Mignon Egg.  It is an actual egg that has been blown out and filled with chocholate, then the hole resealed with a white sugar mixture.  You place the egg in the rerigerator for 15 to 30 minutes, and then peel the shell off and eat the chocolate.  What a fun concept...and yummy desert (I have done a dry run to be certain it is worthwhile, and I assure you it is).

So this is what I know of Easter here in Finland.  I am sorry that it is not more, but I feel it is worth sharing.  I'm not sure exactly what we will be doing for the weekend, but I am sure it will be a wonderful time.  Have a wonderful holiday everybody!