Easter traditions in Slovakia incorporate both Christian and pagan elements. As part of the Lenten season leading up to Easter, Christians observe Ash Wednesday by receiving ashes in church to mark the beginning of the 40-day fast. Pagan traditions include burning and throwing a Morena doll into water on Flower Sunday to welcome spring. On Easter Sunday, families bring blessed food like eggs and hams to church then eat them and make visits. Easter Monday involves boys whipping girls with wicker whips and being rewarded with decorated eggs or chocolate.

1. EASTER IN SLOVAKIAEASTER IN SLOVAKIA
Christian/ Pagan traditions

2. Ash WednesdayAsh Wednesday
Ash cross on a forehead in church
Beginning of a fast
40 days before Easter

3. Morena-the winter witchMorena-the winter witch
A doll made out of
hay and dressed
Carried by singing
women
Set on fire and
thrown to water
To welcome spring
First Sunday of
Easter time
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4. Flower SundayFlower Sunday
Children throw flower
petals around the
church
Hours in churches just
for singing, singing in the
streets later

5. Green ThursdayGreen Thursday
•Brunches of a
flower- Lambs’ tails
are taken home

6. Big FridayBig Friday
Jesus Christ’s crucifixion
Crosses at churches are covered
Biggest day of fast

7. White SaturdayWhite Saturday
Blow and decorate the Easter eggs

8. Easter SundayEaster Sunday
Christ’s resurrection
Bring food(eggs,
hams) in small
baskets to church
The priest blesses
them with holly
water
Family eats the
blessed food and go
for visits

9. Easter MondayEaster Monday
Boys whip girls with wicker whips and
spray or pour cold water on them for
good health
Girls reward boys with the decorated
eggs or chocolates

10. Easter MondayEaster Monday
Boys whip girls with wicker whips and
spray or pour cold water on them for
good health
Girls reward boys with the decorated
eggs or chocolates