According to Scripture, that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. As part of the Easter season, the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday, always the Friday just before Easter. Through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

Easter is an important holiday in Norway, giving Norwegians a chance to celebrate the arrival of spring after the long, dark winter. Despite being a predominantly secular country, this holiday is eagerly welcomed by the people of Norway as a chance to celebrate the arrival of spring and to spend time with friends and family over a lengthy break from work and school. The Norwegian word for Easter is Påske, a name derived from the Hebrew word “Pesach/Pasah” or Passover. In Norway, however, Easter does not pass over very quickly. Norway has the world’s longest Easter holiday. Traditionally, Norwegian shops and work places are closed over skjærtorsdag (Maundy Thursday), langfredag (Good Friday) and the Monday following Easter Sunday, known as andre påskedag, or the Second Easter Day. Schools are usually closed for the entire week preceding Easter.