The virvonta or virpominen (meaning the act of refreshment or wishing) is performed by Finnish children on Palm Sunday to wish well to the households.[1] In parts of Ostrobothnia, the custom is observed on the Saturday before Easter.[2]
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.[3]
The custom is not related to Christian tradition but Western European tradition of cattle and harvest magic that was practiced in different places.[3]
History
Children go to collect candy from the neighborhoodVirvonta branches
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 blessings with branches that have been distributed at church celebrations; it spread from the Eastern Finland with the evacuation of Finnish Karelia in 1944 and mixed with unrelated Western Finnish customs involving witch costumes.[1]
A common rhyme is "Virvon varvon tuoreeks, terveeks, tulevaks vuodeks, vitsa sulle, palkka mulle!"[4] which translates as "I'm wishing you a fresh, healthy upcoming year, a branch for you, a reward 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?"[5] However, many alternatives are known.[6]
In the 21st century, the tradition has been mixed with international customs such as trick-or-treating and wearing various costumes.[1] It may be more common to see kids dressed as other magical characters such as wizards, cats, bunnies or other animals.[7]
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