A monthly feature to share with kids and grandkids

Photo: Lori Ann Reinhall
It’s easy to make your own Easter decorations using basic shapes. All you need is colored construction paper, scissors, a pen, and some tape or glue to put everything together.

Brought to you by Lori Ann Reinhall

For over 1,000 years, Easter has been celebrated in Norway. Påske, as it’s called there, is a joyous time, and much of the fun is in the preparation. This month’s Barneblad is all about decorating and getting everything ready for the holiday with your family.

Pick your colors

For a long time, the Easter holiday has been associated with four special colors: purple, white, green, and yellow.

Purple and white are colors from the church: purple is the color of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter. Purple symbolizes dedication and good deeds, while white is the color of purity and joy.

Green is the color of hope and new life, as the meadows come alive again with the promise of spring.

Yellow is the color of the sun, bringing warmth and happiness. The cheery daffodil is in bloom just in time for Easter with its bright, sunny colors.

GET READY: Make sure you have your color palette ready for Easter: put out your paints and crayons, and make sure you have a nice assortment of construction paper on hand: you will need them for the fun and exciting projects that follow. You can pick some Easter flowers to get in a creative holiday mood.

BABY CHICKENS

Photo: Pixabay

The Easter chick is one of the oldest Nordic Easter symbols. You will find them everywhere: on napkins, table runners, and paper plates. You can buy them at crafts stores, or better yet, you can make your own.

GET READY: Create your own Easter chicks from colored paper using a few basic shapes: an oval, a circle, a triangle, and a three-fanned feather (you can trace around your fingers to make your pattern). Be creative putting the shapes together in different color combinations. Depending on the size of your creations, you may want to use a black marker to draw the eyes. You can use these colorful cute chickadees just about anywhere: on tables, doors, and walls.

EGGS

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Easter chicks hatch from eggs, and that is why we paint them and set out on exciting Easter egg hunts. But there is no need to wait for a trip to the grocery or craft store to buy your Easter eggs: you can get started right away at home.

GET READY: Use the paints and crayons you gathered for Easter to create the most beautiful drawing. Why not color or paint beautiful Easter placemats for your big family meal: they are sure to be delighted!

BUNNIES

Photo: Pixabay

In more recent times, a new little friend hopped into the Easter scene in Norway. The tradition of the Easter Bunny, with its fluffy tail and floppy ears, has its origins on the European continent, but today, this happy little hare is loved by children everywhere.

GET READY: Making your Easter bunny is just as easy as making your Easter chicks: you can use the same shapes, just work with different colors and add some ears, and hoppity-hop, you are ready to go!

HAPPY EASTER! GOD PÅSKE! 

from all of us at The Norwegian American

Photo: Pixabay
While eggs has long been a symbol for new life at Eastertime, the bunny came to Norway later but is very popular today.

This article originally appeared in the April 5, 2019, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.