The History of Easter
Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar, celebrating hope, renewal, and the ultimate comeback story, Jesus rising from the dead.
But let’s be honest: for many of us, it’s also about chocolate eggs, fluffy bunnies, and endless egg hunts. How did this sacred day evolve into a celebration of springtime fun (with a side of sugar)? Let’s crack open the history of Easter to find out.
A Celebration of Resurrection
Easter’s roots are firmly planted in Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion. It’s the cornerstone of Christian belief, proof of Jesus’ divine nature and the promise of eternal life.
The date of Easter changes each year because it’s based on the lunar calendar, usually falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. This makes Easter a true springtime celebration, linking it to themes of renewal, light, and life.
The word “Easter” likely comes from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. Her festival, held around the same time, may have inspired the name of the holiday.
Eggs: The Star of the Season
Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of Easter, eggs. Long before Christianity, eggs were a symbol of fertility and rebirth, representing the earth waking up after a long winter snooze. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Romans all used eggs in their spring festivals to celebrate new life.
Once Christianity adopted the egg as a symbol, it gained even more meaning. The shell came to represent the sealed tomb and cracking it open symbolized Jesus’ resurrection.
In medieval Europe, people couldn’t eat eggs during Lent, so by the time Easter rolled around, they had a surplus. Cue the first-ever Easter egg feasts!
Egg Decorating: From Simple Dyes to Masterpieces
Eggs became more than just a symbol, they became art. Medieval Christians dyed eggs red to represent the blood of Christ. Over time, this evolved into the egg-decorating extravaganza we know today.
Some cultures took egg art to the next level:
In Ukraine, pysanky, intricately decorated eggs using a wax-resist technique, are basically tiny masterpieces.
In Eastern Europe, egg designs often included symbols for good fortune, health, and prosperity.
And of course, painted eggs became central to Easter games and traditions, like egg rolling and egg hunts.
Enter the Bunny: Hopping Into the Spotlight
What’s an egg without a bunny to deliver it? The Easter Bunny hopped onto the scene in 17th-century Germany, where children believed in the Osterhase (Easter Hare). This mythical creature laid colourful eggs in nests made by children, a springtime Santa, but fluffier.
When German immigrants brought the tradition to America, the bunny became a star, leaving behind chocolate eggs, toys, and a trail of pastel-coloured joy.
Rabbits were chosen because they’re fertility icons, thanks to their prolific baby-making skills. They don’t actually lay eggs, though. Shocking, I know.
Chocolate Eggs: The Sweet Revolution
For centuries, Easter eggs were real eggs, painted, dyed, and eaten (usually with salt). But in the early 19th century, chocolatiers in France and Germany started making solid chocolate eggs. They were a game-changer, even if they were more “jawbreaker” than “melt-in-your-mouth.”
Then, in 1875, Cadbury perfected the hollow chocolate egg. This genius invention allowed for bigger eggs without breaking the bank, or your teeth. Today, chocolate eggs come in every size, flavour, and level of decadence, from tiny treats to luxury creations filled with pralines or truffles.
In 2011, Italy made the world’s largest chocolate Easter egg. It stood over 34 feet tall and weighed 15,873 pounds. Now that’s what I call a sugar rush.
Other Easter Symbols: Lambs, Lilies, and Lights
While eggs and bunnies steal the show, Easter has other meaningful symbols:
Lambs: Represent Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and tie back to Passover traditions.
Lilies: Symbolize purity and resurrection, and they make your house smell like spring.
Lights: Candles and bonfires have been used for centuries to symbolize Jesus as the light of the world.
These symbols connect Easter to its religious roots, even as modern celebrations lean into chocolate and egg hunts.
Easter Today: A Blend of Old and New
Over the centuries, Easter has evolved into a mix of sacred traditions and playful customs. Churches are filled with hymns, lilies, and prayers, while homes and gardens burst with egg hunts, chocolate, and pastel decorations.
Whether you’re rolling eggs down a hill, devouring a chocolate bunny (ears first, obviously), or simply enjoying the arrival of spring, Easter is all about celebrating life, hope, and renewal.
