Huh? Feathers on twigs?
Outdoor markets here in Stockholm, Sweden are filled with dyed feathers wired to bunches of twigs…vases of feathers on twigs in the windows and at the entrances of boutiques…even a sighting at a dinner party this week…
So what’s up with this? Direct from google and of course confirmed by the locals…
During Lent, when trees are still bare and the ground often covered with ice and snow, it is customary to cut birch branches and decorate them with feathers that have been dyed a variety of colors. As the weeks advance the twigs gradually produce feathery green shoots. The unique decoration of the green branches with their fluffy colored feathers adds gaiety and charm to many an indoor window ledge.
Chatting it up with a flower shop owner in the old town of Stockholm, she mentioned that in early times people switched one another (too funny!) with birch branches as part of spring purification rites. Today the branches serve only as picturesque symbols of awakening spring.
Love, love, love traditions! Happy Spring from Stockholm, Sweden!
This feather tradition is brand new to me, Robin. I’ve never heard of it. WOW. It does make sense, doesn’t it.
But a little S&M at Easter/spring time?! Oh, that IS too funny. HA!
Ha! a little S&M! That is too funny Ginnie!
Well now, that is way cool. I love it! More:) GH
Hope to see one where the green has sprouted on the branches before I leave, as I’m sure that is so adorable! Thanks my GH! More!
Also a very common sight on the table during Easter dinner or rather during the whole Easter.
On Maundy Thursday witches flew off to consort with the Devil at Mount Blåkulla, and people used to protect themselves by painting crosses on their front doors and hiding broomsticks and rakes so that the witches could not fly on them.
read more here
http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Lifestyle/Traditions/Celebrating-the-Swedish-way/Easter-in-Sweden/
I hope you’re having a great time 🙂
Having a wonderful time Frida! Thanks for the link, I really enjoyed reading it!
What a beautiful tradition! Love it!
Me too! Thanks Mary for stopping in and commenting!
That’s amazing. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome my dear! I love being able to share things like this with others who may never get to a particular place in our big world! So interesting to learn about other cultures and traditions. I know you feel the same way!