Påskkärring - Swedish/Finnish Easter witch custom

1800

The oldest written records of the påskkärring (Easter witch) date from the early 19th century, though Nordiska museet notes the tradition is probably older. Originally adults dressed as witches to mimic and frighten others; it later became a children's custom. Children dress in headscarves with painted faces and go door to door, in Sweden on Maundy Thursday and in Finland on Palm Sunday. Derives from the belief that witches flew to Blåkulla before Easter. A recurring annual custom.