Whether you are religious or not, Easter is celebrated around the world. Get Easter facts about the traditions, eggs and candy. Learn why Easter is celebrated on different days around the world.
Easter Facts From Around the World
Easter facts and traditions can be found around the world. Learn some interesting facts about the holiday of Easter and its beginnings.
Ancient Art of Decorating Eggs
Decorating eggs is an ancient art with a long history. The decorating of eggs originated from Persia. However, the early Christians gave the art of decorating eggs a religious twist. The red-dyed egg is supposed to symbolize the blood of Christ.
Easter Bunny Started in Germany
The Easter bunny didn’t start in America. He was in Germany first. German immigrants brought the concept of the Easter bunny with them in the early 1700s. However, how the bunny came hopping along is a bit of a mystery. The legend of the Easter bunny started as a German oral legend.
Holiday Named for Goddess
Easter isn’t just a holy holiday; it’s named for a goddess. The pagan goddess Eostre, or Ostara, was the goddess of spring. The history of Eostre is interwoven with rabbits and eggs. Sound familiar? While these elements might have started out as a Pagan tradition, they were absorbed into the Christian holiday overtime.
Easter Clothes Mean Good Luck
Easter is a time for new duds. However, the tradition of buying new clothes for Easter isn’t new. There is a long history of wearing clean, new clothes for Easter. However, somewhere along the way, this was seen as a sign of good luck for the coming year. So, wearing new clothes for Easter could just bring you a year of good luck.
Pretzels Were an Easter Treat
When you think of Easter, pretzels don’t instantly pop into your mind, but they should. Pretzels used to be an Easter treat, right there along with eggs. Not surprisingly, pretzels were also thought of as good luck. So, you might want to try a pretzel for Easter this year.
Giving Eggs Is Symbolic
Who doesn’t like a good Cadbury egg at Easter? The giving of eggs in your basket is symbolic of new life. They can also be traced back to Jesus’ resurrection. So, those eggs aren’t just delicious but have meaning.
Largest Chocolate Egg in Italy
Everyone wants a big chocolate egg in their Easter basket, but Italy has a bit more than anyone can handle. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest chocolate egg comes in at a whopping 15,873 lbs and stands 64 ft. tall. Now that is a whole lot of chocolate!
Easter Bonnets Are a Newer Fad
While you might think that Easter bonnets date back to when bonnets were a normal part of people's attire, that simply isn’t true. The tradition of Easter bonnets didn’t make waves in America until 1933. Easter bonnets were actually made popular by the song Easter Parade by Irving Berlin.
People Like the Ears
Wouldn’t you know it, American’s like their ears? When it comes to Easter bunnies, 59% of people eat the ears first, according to a study by Kathleen Yaremchunk.
The Flower of Easter
April flowers might bring May showers but when you are talking about the Easter flower, look no further than the white Easter lily. It should come as no surprise this flower represents rebirth in addition to hope and life.
Religious Facts About Easter
While Easter might have started out with Pagan traditions, it’s become a well-known religious holiday for many. Some might celebrate eggs and Easter baskets, but Easter is also about Christ.
Holy Week Before Easter
The week leading up to Easter is considered the Holy Week by Christians. This week leads up to Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The important days included in the Holy Week are Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.
Lent Leads Up to Easter
Lent is an important time for Christians leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent is a 40-day period where Jesus is remembered, and many times, something might be given up for Lent.
Also Called Resurrection Sunday
In the Christian religion, Easter Sunday is also known as Resurrection Sunday. This is the day Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus. Each different day during Holy Week celebrates a feat Jesus made before his resurrection.
One of the Oldest Christian Holidays
Easter is considered among the oldest Christian holidays. Writings about Easter can be found dating back to the 2nd century. However, the traditions and days of celebration have changed since these early writings.
Easter Is Celebrated on Different Days
Easter is celebrated on a different day every year. But not everyone celebrates on the same day. The date of Easter and when you celebrate it depends on if you are Eastern Orthodox or Western Orthodox. While both celebrate Easter on the Sunday following the vernal equinox full moon, these two churches used different calendars to calculate the vernal equinox. Therefore, they celebrate Easter on a different day.
Find New Easter Facts
Finding new Easter facts can be fun. Not only is it a religious holiday, but it’s a holiday steeped in traditions from around the world. Keep your exploration of Easter going by looking at different Easter symbols and their meanings. You might also enjoy some Easter puns to get you laughing.