Påske

Påske in Denmark follows the Christian calendar and can fall in March or April. The most visible days are Skærtorsdag (Maundy Thursday), Langfredag (Good Friday), Påskedag (Easter Sunday) and Anden påskedag (Easter Monday), all public holidays, so many people have time off and schools close for the påskeferie. Homes often bring in budding branches, yellow flowers and decorated eggs, and many Danes say “Glædelig påske.” Children may make gækkebreve: cut-paper letters with a teasing rhyme and dots instead of a signature. If the receiver guesses who sent it before Easter, the sender owes a chocolate egg; if not, the child can claim one.

A classic Danish Easter is centered on a long påskefrokost, usually held at home with family or friends and stretching from midday into the afternoon. The table typically starts with rye bread and fish dishes such as pickled herring, often followed by eggs, shrimp or other open-faced sandwich toppings, and later warm dishes. Beer and chilled snaps are strongly associated with the meal, and each new herring or course may bring another small toast. Some people attend church on Easter Sunday, but for many households the social meal is the main event. Easter egg hunts and chocolate eggs are common too, especially where there are children.

The pack has 36 words spread across these domains.