Posted by Easter is fast approaching, a great time for us chocoholics, but how did it all start?
What is Easter?
This is largely a Christian festival which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after being crucified on Good Friday, then coming back to life three days later. Being a movable feast it is celebrated on different dates each year, between 21 March and 25 April, depending on when there’s a full moon in spring.
Why do we have Easter eggs?
A lot of us may chomp on chocolate eggs at Easter, but originally eating eggs was not allowed by the church during the week leading up to Easter. So any eggs laid that week were saved and decorated to make them ‘Holy Week eggs’, then given to children as gifts. Victorians adapted the tradition with satin covered cardboard eggs filled with Easter treats.
Why are Easter eggs made of chocolate?
The first chocolate eggs appeared in France and Germany in the 19th century but were bitter and hard. As chocolate-making techniques improved, hollow eggs like the ones we have today were developed, now filled with chocolate assortments, as well as crème eggs, they very quickly became popular and remain so.
Today’s Market
Easter eggs represent one of the most important seasonal confectionary markets, with new ranges and presentations designed to attract more consumers every year, including stylish gift bags stuffed full of goodies, and bunnies and chicks to nibble and peck, all aimed at reaching young and old alike. What’s your perfect Easter treat?
What about the Easter Bunny then?
Originating from the 19th century, rabbits usually give birth to a big litter, so they became a symbol of new life, springtime and hope. The story goes, that the Easter bunny decorates and hides eggs, hence the childrens traditional egg hunt. He doesn’t do all the work alone though. In Switzerland, Easter eggs are delivered by a cuckoo, and by a fox in parts of Germany.
Beware of Eastern Europe at Easter!
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, a tradition of spanking or whipping is carried out on Easter Monday. In the morning, men spank women with a special handmade whip, legend has it that women should be spanked with a whip in order to keep their health, beauty and fertility for the next year. However in some regions, the women can get revenge in the afternoon or the following day when they can pour a bucket of cold water on any man.
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