02/04/2026
Origins of the Easter Egg & Easter Bunny......
Ancient Pagan Roots:
Persians, Egyptians, and Greeks decorated eggs to celebrate spring and the vernal equinox as symbols of fertility, rebirth, and life.
The Babylonians believed an egg fell from heaven to hatch the goddess Astarte.
Early Christian Symbolism:
Early Christians in Mesopotamia, particularly within the Orthodox church, dyed eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ. The hard shell represented the sealed tomb, which was cracked open to represent the resurrection
Lenten Tradition:
During the Middle Ages, eating eggs was forbidden during Lent. People would hard-boil them to preserve them, and then consume them on Easter Sunday, leading to the tradition of gifting them.
Evolution of Traditions:
The tradition of decorating, and hiding eggs spread through Europe, with German Protestants popularising the Easter Bunny "Osterhase" (Easter Hare). A folklore figure that judged if children were good or bad, bringing coloured eggs to well-behaved ones. German immigrants brought this tradition to the United States in the 1700s, where it evolved into the modern, gift-bearing Easter Bunny.
Modern Chocolate Eggs:
The first chocolate Easter eggs appeared in early 19th-century Europe, with mass production starting in the late 19th century.
