Påskkärring & Blåkulla

On Easter Thursday, it is a Swedish tradition for both boys and girls to dress up as Easter Witches (yes, boys too). A Påskkärring (Easter Witch) is traditionally dressed in a dress, apron and scarf on the head. A broom is also carried. Boys can dress up as an alternative to the Easter guys, with period-style men's clothing, a hat and mustache. They walk around in the neighbor hood in a group, wishing Happy Easter and hands out Easter cards they have made them selves. In return they receive gifts as candy or money. The gifts are collected in a basket or an old coffee pot.

During the big witch-hunt in Sweden during 1668-1676, hundreds of "witches" were killed, and people (including children) testified that they had been abducted by the witches and taken to a place called Blåkulla (Blue Hill) on a broom, branch or something similar! The stories from children or adults regarding the abduction was in Witch Trials the only evidence - and the only evidence needed - when the witch would be charged.

While the witch was in Blåkulla, surroundings could not notice that she had left, she could still be seen in usual places (Really?). 

At Blåkulla they partied (like a Rock Star?). They drank, ate, danced and had sex (definitely like a Rock Star!) while the Devil were under the table and laughed as the room thundered and hell fire smoldering through a hole in the floor where you could see the tormented souls in hell. They danced with their backs against each other and did everything backwards to how it was done in real life (kind of creepy if you ask me!). 

So, that's why we in Sweden dust off the brooms at Easter and go for a ride to Blåkulla. Will I see you there?!


Glad Påsk (Happy Easter) to all of you!


Camilla


(info taken from Wikipedia)