There are many interesting and fascinating facts that surround this event, from the times it’s celebrated to the symbols and foods associated with this tasty holiday. So join us as we take a look at this top 10 list of fascinating Easter facts.
Easter marks the end of the Holy Week which commemorates the death and resurrection of the Christ. In addition, there is a close tie to the Jewish celebration of Passover and Exodus, the freedom of their people from Ancient Egypt. Easter is celebrated at different times during the spring by Eastern and Western Orthodox Churches because they use different calendars.
Down through the centuries Easter has been celebrated in the Western world and in other countries with a strong Christian presence. However, Easter has also garnered many of its traditions from the pagan world as it spread across Europe which is why bunnies and eggs have become an important part of the holiday season.
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10. Different Days Every Year – The reason why Easter is celebrated on different days each year, ranging from mid-March to early April, is because Passover is celebrated based on the phases of the moon which differ from year to year.
9. Origin of the Name – The name “Easter” comes from Anglo-Saxon mythology of Eostre or Eastre, the goddess of the light and the dawn who was celebrated in pagan festivals each spring.
8. Symbol of Life – The custom of giving eggs during the time of Easter can actually be traced all the way back to the Egyptians who often gave eggs as gifts as they were considered the symbol of life. Greeks, Persians, Romans, and Gauls also carried on the tradition.
7. Most Popular Chocolate Easter Egg – The famed Cadbury Cream Egg which is produced by workers in Cadbury’s Birmingham factory is created in astounding volumes. It is by far the most popular Easter gift with over 500 million Crème Eggs made every year, with about two thirds of that being consumed in the UK alone. That’s 3.5 Cadbury Crème Eggs per person!
6. Tallest Chocolate Easter Egg
List 25In Italy, there is a chocolate Easter Egg that stands well over 9 metres tall (30 feet) and weighs 7200kg (15,900 pounds).
5. Ears First – A very important survey revealed that 89% of people in the US who eat chocolate bunnies start with the ears first while only 5% start with the tail and 6% start with the feet.
4. The Egg Toss – In Medieval Times, one popular tradition was the local priest tossing an egg to a choirboy who would then toss it to another choirboy until the clock struck 12. The boy who had the egg last was declared the winner and could keep it.
3. First White House Easter Egg Roll – President Rutherford B. Hayes started the tradition of the Easter Egg Roll on the White House grounds in 1878. Today it is a hugely popular annual event, with celebrities reading stories, sporting activities and cooking demonstrations. The highly sort after tickets are free of charge and can only be won through a public lottery.
2. Largest Easter Egg Hunt
On April 1, 2007 over 500,000 Easter eggs were hidden amongst the grounds of the Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Florida. 9,753 children scurried around looking for eggs, making it the largest Easter Egg hunt on record.
1. Sweet Chocolatey Aftermath – According to a recent survey, nearly one in five American children report not feeling well the day after Easter. You greedy little piglets, you ate too much chocolate!
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So there’s our top 10s list on facts about Easter. Did this listicle make you want to rush out and get some chocolate? If so, let us know on Twitter and Facebook.
