Easter in Denmark: Traditions & Celebration

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 ‘gækkebrev’ (teaser letter) to a family member or a close friend.

Writing Teaser Letters:

‘Gækkebreve’ 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 gækkebreve 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.

Easter in Denmark: 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.