Virvonta
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Easter_witch_Sk12_p%C3%A4%C3%A4si%C3%A4isnoita_C.jpg/220px-Easter_witch_Sk12_p%C3%A4%C3%A4si%C3%A4isnoita_C.jpg)
The virvonta or virpominen (act of refreshment or wish) 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.[2]
History
The tradition has various pagan and Christian origins: Nordic spring traditions to dispel bad spirits and wish a good harvest season, as well as the Christian ritual of the palms.[1] In Finland, the Orthodox tradition involves children giving blessing with branches distributed at church celebration; the variant with costumes spread from the East as the Karelian evacuees from the evacuation of Finnish Karelia spread in the rest of Finland.[1]
A common rhyme is "Virvon varvon tuoreeks, terveeks, tulevaks vuodeks, vitsa sulle, palkka mulle!"[3] which translates as "I'm wishing you a fresh, healthy upcoming year, a branch for you, a prize for me!" The chant has been translated in Juha Vuorinen's novel Totally Smashed! as "Willow switch, I'm the Easter witch! I wish you health and a love that's rich! From me I bring some luck today, for this branch what will you pay?"[4] However, many alternatives are known.[5]
In the 21st century, the tradition has mixed with further examples of anglo-saxon trick-or-treating and various costumes.[1] It may be more common to see kids dressed as other magical characters such as wizards, cats, bunnies or other animals.[6]
References
- ^ a b c d "Easter tradition brings witches door-to-door".
- ^ a b "Easter witches make the rounds as part of age-old Finnish custom".
- ^ Väänänen, Vuokko (March 21, 2016). "Virvon varvon tuoreeks terveeks…". Värtsilän verkkolehti. Värtsilän verkkolehti. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Vuorinen, Juha (2017). Totally Smashed!. Translated by Leonard Pearl. Diktaatori. p. 165. ISBN 978-9525474756.
- ^ "Virvon, varvon ... miten se menikään?". 2011-04-15.
- ^ "Palm Sunday brings witches to the door".