...the word Easter evolved from “Eostre.” In ancient times, the Anglo-Saxons celebrated the return of spring with a carnival commemorating Eostre – the goddess of Dawn and Spring.
Here are a few more little-known facts about Easter.
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The Springtime festivals of Eostre took place around the same time of year as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ. The birth rituals of spring and the triumph of life over death were historical events that were eventually brought together to be called Easter. |
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One of the ancient Eostre traditions was to bid farewell to the cold winter by offering rabbits and colored eggs to their Eostre. |
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Eggs symbolized birth and fertility in many cultures. Long before the holiday was official known as Easter, the Egyptians and the Persians exchanged eggs decorated in Spring colors. |
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Eggs were given as gifts in ancient China, Greece and Rome. The Celts worshipped serpents’ eggs, that stood for eternal life. |
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Until 1784, the French forbid the eating of eggs during Lent. Eggs collected during this time were either hatched or preserved for eating at Easter. The eggs would then be decorated and often colored red to symbolize the Easter joy and to entice the children to eat them. |
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In England they began writing messages and dates on their eggs and exchanging them with friends and loved ones. |
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Some believe that the Easter Bunny was once known as the Easter Hare. They believe he was a large, handsome bird that belonged to Eostre, the Pagan Goddess of dawn and spring. It is said that the Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season. |
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In ancient Egypt, rabbits symbolized new life and rebirth. They were considered a symbol of the moon as the moon determines the date of Easter. |
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There’s a German legend that may explain why the Easter Bunny started bringing eggs to children. The legend goes that a poor woman decorated eggs for her children to find during a famine. At the moment they found them, they looked up to see a big bunny hopping away. |
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The first edible Easter bunnies, made of pastry and sugar, are believed to come from Germany during the early 1800s. |
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The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived during the 1700s. The children believed that if they behaved, the bunny would lay a nest of colored eggs. |
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The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the garden. Elaborate Easter baskets evolved over time as the Easter traditions spread throughout the United States. |
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Hot cross buns were among the earliest Easter treats, made by European monks and given to the poor during Lent. |
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Candy is a relatively recent Easter tradition. Chocolate eggs, the most popular Easter candy, were first made in Europe in the early 1800s. |
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76% of Americans believe the chocolate bunny’s ear should be eaten first; 5% believe the feet should eaten first and 5% believe the tail should be eaten first. |
