For every celebration or event, there are traditions that people uphold. These traditions can vary depending on location, religion, and culture. A common tradition at Easter is giving Easter eggs as a gift, also referred to as chocolate eggs. Have you ever wondered why do we eat chocolate eggs at Easter? Here is an overview of why we eat Easter eggs at Easter and some facts about this long-standing tradition.
Why Do We Eat Chocolate Eggs at Easter?
Why Do We Eat Easter Eggs at Easter? The Religious Symbolism
Long before people ate chocolate eggs at Easter, eggs were symbolic objects in many cultures. Therefore, it was no accident that egg-shaped items in various forms are given as gifts at Easter. The following are some of the reasons why eggs are symbolic in different religions and cultures.
- A symbol of new life: In many religions and cultures, eggs represent new life. In pagan traditions, eggs were part of their festivals to celebrate spring.
- Eternal life: Christians believe that Jesus Christ gave his life as a martyr so that others could enjoy eternal life. Circles and ovals are historically a symbol of eternal life, as they have no beginning and no end.
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ: Another link between eggs and new life is that they symbolise the tombstone. In the story of the resurrection of Christ, his tombstone was removed, and his tomb was empty.
The Traditions of Hand-Painting Eggs and Egg Rolling
Although people now associate Easter eggs with chocolate, eggs were part of Easter traditions long before the invention of chocolate eggs.
One of the longest-standing egg traditions at Easter is people giving a hand-painted egg as a gift. History.com says that this tradition dates back to the 13th-century. The inside of the egg is often blown to remove the yolk and white without cracking the shell. It is possible to do this by creating a small hole in the top and bottom of the egg and blowing out the internal contents.
A fun egg tradition at Easter is egg rolling. People hard boil eggs and decorate them in fun designs. They take their eggs to the top of a hill and roll them down, and the aim is to roll your egg the furthest down the hill without it smashing. While this is a fun tradition that many families enjoy each year, it has deeper symbolism. It represents rolling the tombstone of Jesus’ tomb.
Another fun activity that people enjoy in the holidays is Easter egg hunts. The parents hide Easter eggs around the house or garden, and then the children go on a hunt to find the eggs.
The First Chocolate Eggs
Many children now would feel disappointed if their Easter egg was not made of Chocolate. However, it is a relatively new Easter tradition. Chocolatiers created the first chocolate eggs in 19th-century Europe. At that time, it was a luxurious gift for adults. Now, both adults and children alike love to receive and eat chocolate eggs at Easter, and the options are diverse. Many Easter eggs contain more chocolate, sweets, or candy.
While giving gifts of Easter eggs is a Christian tradition, many other cultures and religions have adopted it. As a reflection of cultural diversity, many manufacturers and retailers have stopped referring to them as Easter eggs. Instead, many people now call them chocolate eggs. It reflects that they are a gift given in springtime even by those who are not Christian and do not celebrate Easter.
Why Do We Eat Chocolate Eggs at Easter? The Final Verdict
The reasons why we eat Easter eggs at Easter have a long history and relate to historical, religious, and cultural symbolism. Long-standing traditions include gifts of hand-painted eggs, egg rolling, and Easter egg hunts. Chocolate eggs at Ester did not become a tradition until the 19th-century, and chocolatiers first made them in Europe.
Hopefully, this has given you the answer as to ‘why do we eat chocolate eggs at Easter?’ Feel free to leave comments below.
If you enjoy reading about the history f different food traditions, you might also like to read about what we eat turkey at Christmas.