sweden and easter feathers

photo from here

birch sticks with feathers tied to their ends, called påskris, are a clear sign that spring has arrived.  when i first laid eyes on them last march, i thought it was quite a strange concept, until i saw feathers in the trees.  it's pretty awesome.  

this easter tradition brighten the days - especially when it's still snowing in the city.  the feathers are often bright pinks, blues, yellows and greens - think dr. seuss - but i like the soft muted colours best.

oh, you know what else happens at easter?  trick-or-treating! girls and boys go door to door dressed up as witches - head scarves, kitchen aprons and painted on freckles - to ask for coins or candy for their easter egg.  weird, right?

i expected these traditions to be based on pagan rites but they aren't.  the feathers symbolize the palm leaves that lay on the ground when jesus returned to jerusalem. however, they are now simply a decorative item boosting spirits as swedes emerge from long dark winters looking forward to spring.

have a lovely spring break. my boys and i will be travelling to the south of sweden to spend time with friends and explore new places.  see you back here in april.