Interesting Easter Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Decorative eggs, elaborate dinner, chocolate Easter bunnies and gifts! You must have guessed by now which occasion are we talking about, right? Easter is hopping down the bunny trail faster than we thought. It’s a popular Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which happened three days after his crucifixion. The occasion is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which usually falls between March 22 and April 25. In this article, we will explore some interesting Easter facts that you probably didn't know.

Easter Eggs have been Around for Centuries

Easter eggs are a popular symbol of Easter but did you know that they have been around for centuries? The tradition of decorating eggs can be traced back to ancient cultures, including the Persians, Egyptians and Greeks. Christians adopted the practice in the early days of the church, and the egg became a symbol of the resurrection because it represents new life emerging from the shell. Today, giving Easter eggs (along with other treats), beautifully decorated in a basket, makes for a popular gift, exchanged among family and friends.

The Easter Bunny Originated in Germany

The tradition of the Easter bunny/Easter Hare is believed to have originated in Germany during the 17th century. The bunny, or hare, was a symbol of fertility and new life, which made it a fitting symbol for Easter. German immigrants brought the tradition to the United States in the 18th century and it has since become a popular Easter tradition.

The Easter Parade Tradition Began in the 19th Century

Next on our list of Easter facts is its parade tradition! The tradition of the Easter parade originated as a ‘fashion promenade’ following Sunday religious services and gained popularity after the Civil War. The tradition came into the limelight in the 19th century and was popularised in New York City. The parade is a procession of people wearing their finest clothes, showing off the latest fashion trends. The tradition continues to this day, with cities around the world hosting their own Easter parades.

The White House Easter Egg Roll Dates Back to 1878

The White House Easter Egg Roll is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1878. President Rutherford B. Hayes was the first to officially host the event on the White House lawn. Today, children from around the country are invited to participate in the egg roll, which involves rolling hard-boiled eggs down a hill.

A Symbol of New Life

The Easter Lily is a popular Easter flower that is often used in religious services. The white petals represent the purity of Jesus, and the trumpet-shaped bloom represents the new life that he brings. The Easter Lily is native to Japan and was first introduced to the United States in the late 1800s.

The Largest Easter Egg Hunt had Over 500,000 Eggs

The largest Easter egg hunt on record took place in Florida in 2019, with over 500,000 eggs hidden across a 40-acre field. The event, which was sponsored by a local church, attracted thousands of participants and featured various activities, including face painting, bounce houses and live music.

Easter is the Second Biggest Candy-selling Holiday in the US

Halloween may be known for its candy, but Easter is actually the second biggest candy-selling holiday in the United States. According to the National Confectioners Association, Americans spent over $2.4 billion on Easter candy in 2020. The most popular Easter candy is chocolate eggs, followed by jelly beans and marshmallow peeps. You will also find people relishing Easter cakes and cookies as a part of the celebrations.

The Easter story is Told Differently in Each of the Four Gospels

The story of Easter is told differently in each of the four gospels of the New Testament. While there are some similarities, such as the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, each gospel offers unique details and perspectives on the events leading up to Easter.