Easter witches: Why kids wear costumes like Halloween during Easter celebrations
By Valerian Khakayi, April 2, 2026Easter is celebrated by Christians worldwide as a time of reflection, renewal, and joy, marked by church services, family gatherings, and festive traditions.
While many associate the holiday with egg hunts, chocolate treats, and religious observances, some cultures have customs that may seem surprisingly similar to Halloween.
One of the most curious of these is the tradition of children dressing up as witches during Easter.
In countries like Sweden and parts of Finland, children participate in this unique custom where they transform into “Easter witches”. Wearing colourful headscarves, long skirts, and painted freckles on their faces, kids go from house to house exchanging drawings, small greetings, or well-wishes in return for candy or coins.
The similarity to Halloween is striking, but this Easter tradition has a distinct cultural and historical meaning.
Reasons behind the costume
The practice has its roots in centuries-old folklore. According to local legend, witches were believed to fly to a mythical place called Blåkulla in the days leading up to Easter.
To protect themselves from evil spirits and the witches’ mischief, people would light bonfires, ring church bells, and make loud noises to drive them away. Over time, this fearful superstition evolved into a playful, child-friendly custom, and dressing up as witches became a way for children to participate in the holiday’s folklore safely and joyfully.
Today, the Easter witch tradition is celebrated with excitement and creativity.
Children eagerly prepare their costumes and often make handmade cards or drawings to give to neighbours.
The streets and villages come alive with laughter and colour as kids visit homes, collecting treats and sharing in the festive spirit. The tradition has become an important part of local Easter celebrations, reflecting both community bonding and cultural storytelling.
Although it may seem unusual to outsiders, this playful custom highlights the diversity of Easter celebrations around the world. From solemn observances like the Way of the Cross to playful and imaginative traditions such as Easter witches, the holiday is a time of joy, creativity, and shared experiences.
It reminds us that cultural interpretation can turn even ancient beliefs and legends into light-hearted, meaningful celebrations for new generations.
Ultimately, dressing up as witches during Easter is more than just a costume; it is a celebration of folklore, history, and the enduring spirit of community, proving that Easter traditions can take many surprising and delightful forms.