25-02-2025
Everything you need to know about Norway's Fastelavn traditions
What is Fastelavn
Fastelavn means aften før fasten, or 'the evening before the fast', and was the original term used for Shrove Tuesday in Norway, the 40-day fast leading up to Easter.
Like in other countries, Shrove Tuesday traditions are centred around enjoying some last indulgences before a period of fasting.
These days Fastelavn refers to the three feast days that precede Lent, but most commonly refers to the Sunday before Lent.
Fastelavn is also intertwined with Norway's Carnival traditions, which can make things quite confusing. While the two are used interchangeably, they are supposed to be distinct celebrations.
Many religious associations surrounding Carnival or Karneval have disappeared, and the event is celebrated by younger children in kindergartens and pre-schools these days.
Primary grade schools host their own celebrations where the children dress up in masks and costumes, go in a procession, sing, and play games.
Dressing up for Carnival is a long-rooted tradition that has been around much longer than Halloween in Norway.
For this reason, when you hear someone bring up Karneval in Norway, it's best to assume they are probably referring to something their kids are doing at kindergarten.
When it comes to Fastelavn, most people will associate the day with buns, and it's sometimes referred to as Bollensøndag because of this.
Fastelavnboller are traditionally only available in the days and weeks leading up to Fastelavn, and are extremely popular. These Shrovetide buns became popular around the time stoves became more common in the 1900s. They are known for being light and airy and filled with strawberry jam and whipped cream.
Another typical Fastelavn tradition is homes being adorned with Bjørkeris. These are bundles of twigs from a birch tree that are tied together. Young kids normally decorate them with bright feathers. However, people will also buy them from florists.
While the tradition of buying professionally made ones being sold was started by The Norwegian Women's Public Health Association in 1946, they used to be used in pagan health and fertility rituals.
