Broomsticks, Bonfires, and Candy-Filled Traditions
If you picture Easter and immediately think of chocolate bunnies, pastel eggs, and spring lambs, you might be in for a surprise when it comes to Sweden. There, Easter has a delightfully quirky twist: the påskkärring, or Easter witch (literally 'Easter hag' or 'Easter crone').
On Maundy Thursday each year, children across the country dust off colourful scarves, paint rosy cheeks with big fake freckles, and grab broomsticks, to transform themselves into little witches.
This isn't some modern gimmick: but a living piece of Swedish folklore that blends old superstitions, Christian holy days, and pure childhood joy. While much of the world hunts for eggs or attends solemn church services, Swedish kids (and sometimes the adults) go door-to-door wishing neighbours "Glad Påsk!" (Happy Easter) in exchange for sweets. It's like a gentler, springtime version of Halloween, with handmade drawings or Easter letters swapped for candy, instead of tricks.
The Legend Behind the Witches:
The tradition stems from centuries-old beliefs about witchcraft and the devil. According to folklore, on the night before Good Friday – or sometimes the night between Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday – witches would fly on broomsticks to a mythical place called Blåkulla – a real island in the Baltic Sea, where they would feast, dance, and consort with the Devil himself, in a wild witches' sabbath.
This idea gained traction during Sweden's witch trials in the late 17th century (1668–1676), when accusations flew and the fear of evil spirits ran high. People believed that evil forces, including witches, were unleashed around the time of Judas's betrayal on Maundy Thursday, and to protect themselves, communities would light huge bonfires to scare the witches away. They fired guns into the air, banged pots and pans, and even painted protective crosses on doors or blocked chimneys (since witches supposedly entered homes that way, in order to brew coffee to help them on their journey).
On Easter Sunday, the witches would return home – making the whole period a tense mix of fear and superstition. Over time however, these dark tales evolved into something far more playful.
How the Tradition Looks Today:
The custom of children dressing up as Easter witches was widespread in western Sweden by the mid-19th century, with roots possibly going back as far as the late 18th century. Since then, it has spread nationwide, and now remains a beloved highlight of the Easter weekend.
Here's what a typical Swedish Easter witch looks like:
- Brightly coloured headscarves or shawls
- Long skirts, often oversized or borrowed, for that 'hag' effect
- Rosy red cheeks, freckles drawn on with makeup, and sometimes a painted nose
- A broomstick for 'flying' – of course!
- And a copper coffee pot or basket, to collect the treats.
Kids roam the neighbourhood in small groups. They knock on doors, hand over a homemade drawing, painting, or Easter card (often featuring a witch on a broom), and politely ask for candy or small treats. In some areas, they sing songs or perform a little skit. It's all very wholesome – no tricks... just smiles and a "Glad Påsk!"
Depending on the region, the tradition can happen on Maundy Thursday or Holy Saturday. Families may decorate their home with birch or willow branches, adorned with colourful feathers, painted eggs, and sometimes tiny witch ornaments. These were originally meant to ward off evil, but now serve to bring cheerful spring vibes indoors.
Easter Eve is for big family meals, with delicacies like pickled herring, lamb, and, of course, plenty of sweets – whilst in the western parts of the country, bonfires will still flicker.
Why It Endures:
What makes the påskkärring so special is how it transforms old fears into family fun. The scary tales of witches flying to meet the devil have softened into a celebration of spring, creativity, and community. Children get to play dress-up, make art, and enjoy the thrill of collecting treats – much like the trick-or-treating of Halloween, but with a distinctly Swedish folk twist.
It's also a reminder of Sweden's rich blend of pagan roots, Christian traditions, and practical folklore. Even as society modernised, the Easter witch stuck around. Why? Because it's joyful, inclusive, and tied to the arrival of longer lighter days – a warmly welcomed relief, after the long Nordic winter.
If you ever find yourself in Sweden at Easter, keep an eye out for the little witches with their brooms and rosy cheeks. And if one should knock on your door? Have some candy ready.
Whether you're drawn to the folklore, the food, or just the chance to see kids having wholesome fun, the Swedish Easter witch is one of those quirky traditions that makes the holiday unforgettable.
Have you encountered påskkärringar before, or is this your first time hearing about them? Drop a comment below!
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