Have you ever wondered about the origin of the Easter Bunny and why he delivers decorated eggs? Today we’ll be taking a look at how some Easter symbols and traditions came to be.
It all started with celebrations that took place during the spring equinox. Eostre, the goddess of spring, was honored during these events with symbols such as the egg, rabbit, and chick. We see these three being eaten by the handful during Easter in the form of chocolate eggs, chocolate bunnies, and everyone’s favorite, Peeps!
Why the Easter egg? The egg is known as one of the most iconic symbols of Easter. It has represented life, rebirth, and even the resurrection of Jesus in the Christian Faith. Due to its significance, eggs were decorated and given to children on Easter. It became traditional in some cultures to mimic the stone being rolled from Jesus’ tomb by rolling the decorated eggs down a hill during Easter. The White House’s annual Easter Egg Roll comes from this tradition.
What many people do not know is that before cacao beans were used to make the chocolate we all know and love today, it was first used in a drink by the Aztecs and Mayans. Following the egg trend, it was customary during Victorian times to gift cardboard eggs covered in satin and filled with goodies such as chocolates during Easter. Lucky for us, chocolate eggs were finally created in Europe by the French and Germans during the 19th century.
Many of us grew up hearing about the legend of the Easter Bunny. What began as stories of rabbits laying eggs in nests and hiding them in gardens spiraled into one of the most popular traditions of today, Easter egg filled baskets. Nowadays people fill up these baskets with Easter eggs, chocolate eggs, and small gifts for children.
During the weeks leading up to Easter, many people decorate their homes with Easter symbols. Personalized Easter and spring gifts such as chocolates, storybooks for children, and home decor are all special ways to show your loved ones that you’re thinking of them. So the next time that you’re gifted a chocolate bunny or eating a chocolate egg, you will know the origin of this holiday’s traditions.
