Embassy is closed during the Easter holidays (April 3-6, 2015)
The Embassy of Finland in Croatia will be closed on 3rd [Good Friday] until 6th April [Easter day]. The Embassy's customer service will be open once again on Tuesday 7th April with regular opening hours. Our Embassy wishes you Happy Easter!
Easter time is special in Finland and it is celebrated in with many different traditions varying from region to region. Finnish Easter traditions are a mix of religious references with customs related to the long-awaited arrival of spring. For example in order to symbolize springtime and the reawakening of life, Finns plant grass seeds in shallow dishes and place birch twigs in vases and children eagerly watch for green shoots and "mouse-ear" buds to appear.
Traditionally in Finland, Easter festivities begin on Palm Sunday when Finnish children wander from door to door and collect sweets. In this most popular family tradition, young children dress up as Easter witches [or as "trullis"], donning colorful old clothes and painting freckles on their faces. On every door these little trullis sing a song in which they wish for future health. As a reward kind people give them candy, fruit or some coins. In turn trullis give a catkin which is decorated with colorful ornaments. Catkins are blooming at this time of the year so they make a great gifts. The little witches are more likely to roam on Easter Saturday in western Finland, but on Palm Sunday in other regions.
The witches recite a traditional rhyme at the door: Virvon, varvon, tuoreeks terveeks, tulevaks vuodeks; vitsa sulle, palkka mulle! "I wave a twig for a fresh and healthy year ahead; a twig for you, a treat for me"
Also in western Finland villages, in the area known as Ostrobothnia, bonfires are still lit to drive away evil spirits. The higher the flames, the better! Today, this old tradition is an opportunity to gather around bonfires and spend time with your family and friends. And of course, there is usually a competition for the biggest fire on this Easter.
Inaddition to special traditions, Finns celebrate Easter time by enjoying seasonal cuisine. Roast lamb is the most common main course for a Finnish Easter Sunday family dinner. Two seasonal local desserts are also widely enjoyed. Mämmi (Link to another website.)is a dark brown pudding made of malt, rye and flour. Pasha is a creamy-coloured pudding made of sweetened homemade cheese, eggs, cream and seasonings left overnight to solidify – traditionally in a mould decorated with religious motifs, especially in eastern Finland where the influence of Orthodox Christianity is more prevalent.
The whole country enjoys a four-day weekend, perhaps searching outdoors for the first signs of spring – or indoors if the weather relapses and late snows fall. Many people also visit ski resorts and go downhill skiing for the final time before the snow disappears.
Read more about Finnish Easter time: thisisFinland(Link to another website.)