Global InformationVirvonta information
The virvonta or virpominen (meaning the act of refreshment, or of wishing) is performed by Finnish children on Palm Sunday to wish well to the households.[1]
In modern times, children dress as witches and knock at neighbours' doors while carrying salix tree branches (pussy willow), often decorated with colourful feathers. If accepted, they pronounce a blessing rhyme and leave a branch as gift, while receiving sweets in return.[2]
The Swedish-speaking minority, especially in Ostrobothnia, may instead celebrate the Saturday before Easter. This is not related to Christian tradition but Western european tradition of cattle and harvest magic that was practiced in different places. [2]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
yle2017was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b "Easter witches make the rounds as part of age-old Finnish custom". 25 March 2018.