Both for the unique taste of chocolate and for the surprise factor, Easter eggs are one of the most loved sweets by children and adults too.
But where does this tradition come from? Why exactly the egg and how has its meaning changed over time? Let’s discover together the history of Easter eggs and some interesting facts about the most delicious symbol there is.
Easter eggs: a symbol that came before Christianity
The deepest meaning of Easter is that of rebirth; in fact, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Since ancient times, long before the birth and spread of Christianity, eggs have been associated with life and its renewal in many ancient cultures.
The Egyptians, Persians and Romans already used to exchange decorated eggs at the beginning of spring, as a wish for fertility and a good harvest.
Christians then adopted this symbolism, linking it to the Resurrection of Christ, transforming the egg into a powerful Easter symbol. The seemingly defenceless egg hatches, giving life to a new being. This is why it is associated with the miracle of eternal life.
When did we start decorating eggs?
However, the decoration of eggs for Easter dates back to at least the Middle Ages. In most of Europe it was traditional to boil and colour eggs during Holy Week, often using natural pigments obtained from fruits, vegetables and spices.
In some Eastern European countries, such as Ukraine and Poland, this practice has become a true form of art, with elaborate techniques and symbolic motifs handed down for generations.
Let’s discover another curious fact: why are eggs a staple of the Easter menu? Because as well as being a symbol of this holiday, in the past, during Lent, eggs could not be consumed. At the end of the period of abstinence, they were therefore offered and eaten to celebrate the end of the food restrictions.
The first edible Easter egg
But let’s get to the most delicious part of the story, when the first chocolate eggs appeared. The turning point came in France and Germany, between the 17th and 18th centuries. These countries were the first to introduce this delicious novelty.
In the beginning they were empty shells, obtained by pouring chocolate into handmade moulds. Only much later, towards the end of the 19th century, with industrialisation and the advancement of production techniques, did chocolate eggs become popular and accessible.
In the UK, the pioneer of chocolate eggs is John Cadbury. In fact, as early as 1875, Cadbury launched the first chocolate Easter egg under his name, which was an immediate success.
Once upon a time there was also the Easter Bunny
But it’s not just Easter eggs: alongside the symbol par excellence there’s a cute little animal that has long shared the limelight, especially in some countries. The origins of the Easter Bunny tradition are less well known, but no less fascinating. Let’s find out more.
The bunny has always been associated with fertility due to its ability to reproduce quickly: here too, therefore, fecundity, well-being and prosperity are the themes linked to this symbol. The tradition originated in Germany in the 17th century, with the legend of the Osterhase.
The legends differ, but the common theme is the figure of a hare capable of laying coloured eggs in children’s gardens. This custom was then imported to the United States, where it took root and transformed into the popular Easter Bunny we know today.
Easter eggs today: tradition and innovation
Today Easter eggs are not only a feature of religious holidays, but also of seasonal marketing. They come in all shapes, materials and flavours, from the most traditional to the most sophisticated.
Despite their commercial evolution, however, Easter eggs continue to represent a universal message of rebirth, hope and sharing, the profound values of the Easter liturgy.
