When thinking about one of the longer holiday celebrations during the calendar year, Christmas is top of mind for many. Most other holidays come and go as they occupy a quick 24 hours. This is not quite the case though in Norway. Yes, citizens of Norway certainly do take time to celebrate Christmas, but they also take advantage of the Easter holiday, something not quite as common in North America. In fact, Norway is said to have the world’s longest Easter holiday. Maundy Thursday (Skjærtorsdag) begins the public holidays, followed by Good Friday (Langfredag), then Easter Eve (Påskeaften), Easter Sunday (Påskedag), and finally Easter Monday (andre påskedag). Many Norwegians even take the entire week off to make the most of the holiday. So what does the typical Easter holiday look like in Norway?
For starters, many Norwegians take the long Easter weekend to go to their cabins. It’s a time to enjoy the fresh mountain air, as well as relax and rejuvenate. The holiday also serves as a last hurrah for the ski season. But of course, skiing isn’t complete without a Kvikk Lunsj, which is the Norwegian equivalent to a Kit Kat. Easter is when the majority of these delicious, chocolate-covered wafers are devoured. Not only is this treat a hit, but candy in general also has an uptick in consumption around Easter. In fact, according to Robert Rønning, the Communications Manager at Nidar candy company, “Candy sales increase by 30% over the period before Easter.”
Easter is also a time for Norwegians to gather with friends and family. Some attend special church services and many indulge in a delicious meal. There’s not necessarily a standard meal at Easter time, but roasted lamb and potatoes are common cuisine to see over the holiday.
Interestingly enough, Easter is also synonymous with crime novel time. In fact, Norwegians even have a word for it – påskekrim (easter crime). The long weekend affords the chance to hunker down and consume the latest crime novels. It is a uniquely Norwegian tradition that originated in 1923 when publisher Gyldendal arranged a special advertisement in Norwegian newspaper, Aftenposten, to sell a crime novel by Nordahl Grieg and Nils Lie.
As is evident by the activity that occurs over the Easter week in Norway, the holiday has a special place in the hearts of the citizens. What better way to reset the mind and soul for spring after a long winter? Perhaps other countries should take a page from Norway’s book.