Great Prayer Day
April 26, Friday
History of the holiday
High Prayer Day was established in 1686 by Bishop Hans Borissen, following a decree from the Danish king Christian V. The holiday was originally intended as a day for prayer, fasting and penitence, uniting several other days of prayer that had existed in Denmark before.
Traditions
Church attendance. On this day, many Danes go to church services. Sermons are traditionally devoted to spiritual cleansing and personal prayer.
Silence and rest. Historically, all public places, including pubs and shops, were closed. People spent the day at home, avoiding noisy events.
Culinary tradition - warm buns (varme hveder). On the eve of the Great Prayer Day, homes and bakeries prepare special sweet buns, which are served with butter. The tradition arose because bakeries were closed on the holiday, and residents bought buns in advance to enjoy them the next day. Now, warm buns have become a symbol of the holiday.