The Historical Origins of Easter, Bunnies and Easter Eggs
HISTORICAL FACTS
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.
What about Easter Eggs?
Exchanging eggs at spring festivals was an ancient custom in many parts of the world and early Christians in Mesopotamia dyed eggs in the period after Easter. This practice was adopted by the Orthodox churches before spreading into Western Europe.
The French and the Germans came up with the idea to make eggs out of chocolate although they were solid and not hollow. The first chocolate Easter Egg made in Great Britain was produced by Frys of Bristol in 1873, with Cadburys following suit many years later. British manufacturers at the time – Cadbury, Rowntree and Fry – were Quaker families who valued Bible study, and cockerels and fish were significant in stories about Jesus, therefore it was common to see not only chocolate eggs ate Easter, but fish and cockerels fashioned out of chocolate.
Such is the popularity of the chocolate egg, approximately over 80 million boxed Easter eggs are sold at Easter in the UK each year.
What is the meaning of the Easter Bunny?
Rabbits and hares have been associated with fertility and give birth to their offspring in early spring. The legend of the Easter Bunny is thought to have it’s origins in Germany where the Lutherans said the Easter Hare would decide whether children had been good or bad during Holy Week. The Easter Bunny became popular in Great Britain during the 19th Century with many children believing that the Bunny hides brightly coloured eggs around the house and in the garden. As a result, the Easter egg hunt is very popular amongst children even today.
Are all buns cross?
Distinctive Hot cross buns are eaten at Easter. The cross represents the represents the crucifixion of Jesus. The Hot Cross Bun appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in the 17th century but appears to have been in existence long before Christianity.
Refraining from eating meat on Good Friday
Members of the Catholic Church were required to complete a period of fasting and abstinence to demonstrate focus and self-discipline. One such period was Lent. The law amongst Catholics was to refrain from eating meat every Friday to mark the day of Christ’s death. However, whilst this sacrifice was to honour Christ sacrificing his flesh on Good Friday, eating fish was considered acceptable. However, in 1983 the Canon Law relaxed the fasting practice and refraining from eating meat is now only required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday