Easter celebrations in Norway are more about fun, festivities and colorful traditions. Though religious observances are also the part of celebrations but emphasis is on having fun, frolic and togetherness. Religious observances of Easter are not that solemn though people know the story of Easter but only few very religious ones will go to the church for church services. In Norway, Easter is known as Påske which looks similar to the French name pâques, Greek name pascha and Hebrew Pesach. Easter holidays are one of the most desired days. Easter holidays and Easter festivities in Norway are longer than holidays in any other European country. Easter holidays in Norway start from afternoon of Wednesday which is before Maundy Thursday and continue up to Tuesday which comes after Easter Monday.

Easter symbols are given much importance in Norwegian Easter. The more significant Easter symbols are Easter chickens, Easter eggs in various colors and various patterns and not so significant Easter bunnies. Yellow is the main Easter color in Norway which is spread all over in all the Easter related products like plastic chickens, chicken drawings, cotton chickens. And you can discover these different types of chickens all over in offices, homes, shops, markets, malls, magazines, newspapers … literally everywhere.

There is funny rather bizarre national trait during Easter. People read crime stories and detective thrillers during Easter. To take advantage of this, many thrillers like Easter thrillers, called Påskekrimmen, are published and many detective television serials are produced specially with the Easter theme. Apart from lots of religious programs on the television many detective thrillers are also telecasted during ester days.

Many people go on a visit to mountains during the Easter holidays. Norwegians like to decorate their homes during Easter time using Easter symbols like Chickens and eggs.