Easter In Denmark

Easter is one of the most important religious holidays for people following Christianity, all over the world. The festival commemorates the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, three days after the agonizing Crucifixion. The festival brings with it's the vibrancy of spring season and hence, its celebrations are very colorful, irrespective of where it is celebrated. All through the holiday season, people keep themselves busy in the preparation for the important day, by feasting, fasting, decorating their homes, exchange of Easter eggs and playing fun games.

In the Scandinavian country of Denmark, Easter is a blend of colorful traditions, which are a part of the national cultural heritage of the nation. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark is Denmark's national church and is the largest Christian church in the country. Special services are organized in the church, as a part of the celebrations of Easter. For the people settled there, it is a festival that calls for festivities filled with many fun activities. Check out the article and know all about the celebrations of Easter in Denmark.

Easter Celebration In Denmark
On the eve of Easter, the Danish homes and shops are decorated in green and yellow colors. New-leaved branches and daffodils are largely used for the decorations. Easter egg is the predominant symbol of Easter in Denmark. Children usually receive Easter Eggs made of chocolate as the gifts for the festival, from their parents and grandparents. As part of their effort to garner the most number of eggs, children take recourse to writing a 'g�kkebrev' (teaser letter) to a family member or a close friend.

Writing Teaser Letters
'G�kkebreve' or teaser letter is a unique Easter tradition of Denmark. The letter is written in the form of short poems or rhymes. Teaser letters are usually anonymous, but signed with a number of dots corresponding to the number of letters in the sender's name, so that the recipient can make a calculated guess about the sender. Sometimes, the letter is also called 'guessing letter'. The g�kkebreve can be decorated with a snowdrop, which is regarded as the first flower of the year. If the receiver cannot guess the sender's identity within a certain time, the receiver will have to give an Easter egg to the sender. Usually, children keenly participate in writing teaser verses for their loved ones.

Traditional Danish Feast
The traditional Danish Easter lunch, which is eaten with family and friends, is served with herrings and other kinds of fish, little hot dishes, sliced meats and cheese. The traditional Danish feast is considered incomplete without relishing on the enticing akvavit (flavored spirit), meatballs and 'store kolde bord'. Families put emphasis on table decoration pieces, such as daffodils and yellow and purple napkins.