The common egg hunts, bunny rabbits, and fun baskets that fill up Easter Day are what may come to mind. But what are Easter’s customs really celebrating?
Easter is the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead, dedicated to the celebration of his resurrection. Christians celebrate this holiday every year and have created various fascinating traditions that have stuck around for years on end!! Whether you celebrate Easter or not, this article is encouraged for anyone to read and learn more about the captivating customs of Easter Day!
You may have heard of the Easter Bunny, well there is more origin to the bunny than you think. German Lutherans in the 1300’s worshipped a goddess named Eostra. She often was pictured holding a bunny, which is seen as a symbol of life and restoration. Bunnies such as the “Osterhase” are used to symbolize this form of new life! These bunnies were known to grant treats to the kindhearted children. The Easter bunny is the depiction of the New Life of Jesus!
Other countries don’t actually have the Easter bunny as a common figure. During Easter Sunday in France, there are bells that drop chocolate eggs. These bells (like the Easter Bunny) have a similar purpose and give out eggs to children.
Similarly in France, the village of Bessières makes a massive omelette in celebration of Easter Monday. This omelette has 15,000 eggs in which each family contributes an egg from their home. This tradition is sourced by Napoleon Bonaparte, who once asked for a large omelette from a shop in this village to feed his soldiers. Since that day, this custom has lived on to honor and serve the poverty-stricken in the village.
Have you ever decorated eggs on Easter? The Easter egg symbolizes the resurrection of New Life through Jesus. Easter eggs first appeared in Europe during the 1800’s. During Holy Week, the church was not permitted to eat eggs, so eggs instead were decorated and granted as gifts to children. The commonly known chocolate egg eventually made way when decorated eggs were put into baskets and given out as offerings.
The UK really takes the cake with a famous bun recipe! Commonly known as hot cross buns, these baked goods are made with a cross on them to represent the crucifixion of Jesus. These delicious rolls are packed with fruits and spices and are made to symbolize health and affluence. They also are eaten in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and even Australia! An example is shown on the side!
Last but certainly not least, the U.S. comes with an annual Egg Roll Contest! On every Easter Monday, the current President’s wife hosts the Easter Egg Rolling Contest. In this contest, children under the age of thirteen take part in the competition and roll the eggs in the grass! This tradition dates all the way through 1814.
Whether you’re cozied up with a bag of Cadbury eggs or spending time with your loved ones, there sure are many entertaining activities to participate in on Easter. With the Easter bunny, chocolate eggs, and even with the ongoing widespread culture of Easter, the history still continues to add up. Year after year, the joy of Easter Day continues to shine!
All Information from:
Dinhut, Claire. “Easter Traditions around the World.” Easter Traditions Around The World – by Claire Dinhut, CondimentClaire, 26 Mar. 2024, condimentclaire.substack.com/p/easter-traditions-around-the-world
