Easter egg hunts and egg rolling are two popular egg-related traditions. In the U. The first official White House egg roll occurred in , when Rutherford B. Hayes was president. Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in America after Halloween. Among the most popular sweet treats associated with this day are chocolate eggs, which date back to early 19th century Europe.
According to the National Confectioners Association, over 16 billion jelly beans are made in the U. For the past decade, the top-selling non-chocolate Easter candy has been the marshmallow Peep, a sugary, pastel-colored confection.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based candy manufacturer Just Born founded by Russian immigrant Sam Born in began selling Peeps in the s. The original Peeps were handmade, marshmallow-flavored yellow chicks, but other shapes and flavors were later introduced, including chocolate mousse bunnies.
In New York City , the Easter Parade tradition dates back to the mids, when the upper crust of society would attend Easter services at various Fifth Avenue churches then stroll outside afterward, showing off their new spring outfits and hats. Average citizens started showing up along Fifth Avenue to check out the action.
The Easter Parade tradition lives on in Manhattan, with Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street being shut down during the day to traffic. Participants often sport elaborately decorated bonnets and hats.
The event has no religious significance, but sources note that Easter processions have been a part of Christianity since its earliest days. Today, other cities across America also have their own parades. Lamb is a traditional Easter food. In the story of Exodus, the people of Egypt suffered a series of terrible plagues, including the death of all firstborn sons. Jews who converted to Christianity continued the tradition of eating lamb at Easter.
Historically, lamb would have been one of the first fresh meats available after a long winter with no livestock to slaughter. White Easter Lilies symbolize the purity of Christ to Christians and are common decorations in churches and homes around the Easter holiday. Rabbits are able to breed at a young age and can produce several litters in a year.
It is believed that this pagan symbol of spring and fertility most likely merged with Christian traditions in 17th century Germany. In other words, the Christian holiday of Easter, which celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, became superimposed on pagan traditions that celebrated rebirth and fertility.
So why does the Easter bunny bring eggs? According to Discovery News , since ancient times, eggs and rabbits have been a symbol of fertility, while spring has been a symbol of rebirth. Later, the resurrection of Jesus would also be tied into the long standing concept of rebirth. According to folklore, the Easter hare would lay colorful eggs in the nests baskets of well behaved children.
It doesn't do all the work alone though! In Switzerland, Easter eggs are delivered by a cuckoo and in parts of Germany by a fox.
Lent What is Lent and why do people give things up? How to make Easter chocolate egg nests. The seven foot chocolate Easter egg. Should MPs be allowed to do another job? Lost penguin found 1, miles from home. Up, up and away - check out this epic hot air balloon record! Home Menu. Why do we have Easter eggs and the Easter bunny? Why do we have Easter eggs? Why are Easter eggs made of chocolate? Getty Images.
0コメント