While Easter this year will be different for many people, not just in the UK but worldwide, the tradition of giving and eating Easter eggs will still be observed in many households despite the UK being in lockdown.
With supermarkets having stocked Easter eggs on their shelves for months and many brands offering online delivery for their eggs, Easter chocolate hasn’t been in short supply for those who have wanted it.
But why do we even have Easter eggs in the first place?
Why do we have Easter eggs?
The symbol of an egg at Easter is one that originates from Pagan beliefs.
Eggs symbolised new life for Pagans, a fitting image during the spring season and one that then become a part of the Christian celebration of Easter.
Over time, Christians took eggs and their shells to represent the moment Jesus emerged from the his tomb on Easter Sunday.
Traditionally, eating eggs was not allowed during Holy Week – the days leading up to the Easter weekend – so when Easter Sunday came around, any eggs gathered in that week would then be gifted between friends, families and church leaders.
These original ‘Easter eggs’ were made more ornate during the Victorian era, when people would gift each other eggs made of cardboard, filled with gifts and decorated in satin and ribbon as Easter presents.
Why are Easter eggs made from chocolate?
Like many of our modern Christmas traditions, the idea to make and gift chocolate eggs at Easter came over to the UK from Europe.
Chocolate Easter eggs were first gifted in the 19th Century in Germany and France. This idea quickly became popular (because, chocolate) and soon developed into an annual tradition in the UK.
Unlike the vast array of sweet treats we can choose from today, the very first Easter eggs were quite bitter.
Luckily for us, chocolate making techniques and recipes have improved vastly since then, leading to the wide selection of eggs on offer.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your views in the comments below.
MORE: Please be careful with DIY projects over Easter weekend
MORE: Is there post over Easter?
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/12/easter-eggs-made-chocolate-12544074/?ITO=squid
0 Comments