Spring is here and Easter is almost upon us and here in the Netherlands you can find an abundance of chocolate eggs and decorations in the shops. You can also find these particular Easter branches (paastakken) for sale in supermarkets and florists. I'm not sure whether this tradition exists only in the Netherlands or if people also do it elsewhere in Europe, but the idea of it is to have these branches in your home to celebrate the arrival of the spring season.
I can't remember ever seeing these when I lived in the UK and we certainly didn't have them in our home. All I can remember having at this time of year is lots (and I mean lots!) of chocolate and with the selection that you have in the supermarkets in the UK, it's not surprising.
Out of all of the typical dutch traditions, this is my favourite and I think it's a lovely tradition. When I saw these white painted branches for sale, I jumped at the chance of getting them as it's a bit different to the usual branches that you can get which just look like normal branches.
I already have loads of decorations to put on the branches; things like painted eggs and flowers. You can make these of course but I bought most of mine or they were given to me. I like to decorate them with the girls which has become a little tradition of ours. I love it when it's all decorated with pretty colours and it really does give you the sense that only spring can; of the renewal of life.
You can place the branches in a vase of water and after a couple of days they begin to get buds on them which really brings the feeling of spring indoors even if it's still a bit chilly outside.
What spring or Easter traditions do you have where you live?
Thanks for reading!
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