The Historical Origins of Easter, Bunnies and Easter Eggs

The Historical Origins of Easter, Bunnies and Easter Eggs

All of sudden Easter weekend is upon us. Retailers have been selling a certain fondant filled egg since January, hot cross buns and Easter eggs seem to be everywhere.

However, this Christian festival is not purely linked to chocolate. Easter is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus who, according to the New Testament, died on the cross on Good Friday but rose again on Easter Sunday, which also marks the end of Lent's 40-day period of fasting. There is an emphasis given to eggs and why they are so significant at Easter – they are an illustration of new life, they are said to symbolise the empty womb when they are cracked open.  Eggs were coloured in different colours, but green was a symbol of re-growth after winter, whereas red recognised the sacrifice Jesus made when he was crucified.