Easter is shaping up to be an extraordinary time of celebration and spending, with trends indicating a surge in festive decor and family gatherings. With a projected record-breaking $24 billion in Easter spending, people are ready to embrace the joy of the season like never before. This year, Easter decor is all about charming flocked bunnies and lush mossy accents, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to our homes.
Interestingly, despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, people are placing more emphasis on the value of togetherness, particularly through shared meals. Easter, much like Christmas, has become a time when families and friends gather around the table, savoring delicious food and cherishing each other’s company. This shift in focus from extravagant gifts to meaningful gatherings echoes the sentiment that quality time is the most precious gift of all.
Every March / April time, people around the world get ready to celebrate Easter. For children, this can seem to be mainly about chocolate eggs but it is actually a serious holiday. Celebrated by Christians around the planet, Easter is cherished by them as one of the most important festivals in their calendar. It is a real milestone in the Christian faith each year. And one of the most fantastic aspects of the Christian story at the same time.
While we may know a lot about this important religious festival, there is always more to find out. Here are the ten most interesting and useful facts to take into the next Easter holiday with you.
10 – It Celebrates The Resurrection
Although this may be a well-known fact to practicing Christians, many of us may not actually know the real reason Easter is so key. As above, it is not simply a time to eat chocolate and candy with the family! Easter is actually mark the time each year that Jesus rose from the grave after being crucified. As the resurrection is such a vital part of the Christian tradition, it makes Easter a really essential festival to them. There are a few key days within Easter, but Good Friday stands out as one that many remember. This is the day that Jesus was actually put to death by Roman soldiers.
09 – Jesus Was Not The Only One To Come Back
We all know the resurrection story, right? Jesus was put into a cave after dying on the cross but then the Angels came down a few days later to resurrect him. They rolled the huge, sealed stone back from the cave entrance to let Jesus walk among his people before ascending to heaven a few days after. What you might not know is that Jesus was not the only one to return when the stone was rolled back! Ancient scriptures that were written around the time but not included in the Bible tell of many saints also coming out of the cave with Jesus to walk among the people.
08 – The Vernal Equinox Affects When Easter Is
We all know that Easter happens on a different date every year but not many know why. The reason it can be anytime from late March to the end of April lies in Christianity’s origins and the Vernal Equinox. The guiding principles of Christianity were set at the Council of Nicaea after the death of Jesus. At this meeting, it was agreed that Easter would fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the Vernal Equinox. This explains why Easter happens at a different time every year.
07 – It Has Its Roots In A Pagan Festival
It is easy to forget a time before Christianity and other major organised religions that have grown up over history. When you look back though, Paganism was pretty big and was something that the Christian church has always battled against. What you may not know is that Christianity actually stole many Pagan holidays. Then re-named them and put them into their own calendar. Easter is a great example of this. Originally, this was Pagan festival celebrated around 20th March each year. Dedicated to the German fertility Goddess Eostre, the Pagan festival used a bunny as its symbol just the same as Easter.
06 – Eggs Are Hollow For A Reason
You may feel cheated every year by the hollow nature of Easter Eggs. We would all love a solid block of chocolate instead but there is a good reason why they aren’t solid. Manufacturers know that a large, solid chocolate egg would be very hard on your teeth when bitten into. This would see you break teeth or pull fillings out when trying to eat it! The hollow design avoids this and actually keeps you safer. So, the next time you feel bad that your egg is hollow, remember it is better than losing a tooth.
05 – Peter Did Not Hear A Real Rooster Crow
One famous part of the whole Easter story is that, in his final days, Jesus told his disciple Peter that he would deny he had known him three times in a single day. The story goes that this did in fact happen with things like Peter being asked if he knew Jesus by a Roman soldier and saying he did not. The Bible says that each time he denied knowledge of Jesus, a rooster crowed. The only problem is that chickens or roosters were not allowed to be kept in Jerusalem at the time! Instead, it is thought that the noise Peter heard was simply trumpets being blown to call the Jewish priests to the temple throughout the day.
04 – Church Attendance Spikes During Easter
This may not surprise you. But the Church loves Easter for the extra people it brings in as well as the meaning behind it. It is estimated that church attendance almost doubles over the period as people go to important services like Mass on Easter Sunday. Along with Christmas, Easter is probably the most important part of the whole Christian calendar. It not only reminds people of their faith but also encourages them to attend Church to celebrate it.
03 – The Biggest Easter Bunny Made Was In Brazil
Weighing in at over 9,000 pounds and standing over 14 metres tall, the largest chocolate bunny ever made was found in Brazil. It took a team of professional chocolatiers around 8 straight days to make it and got them into the Guinness Book of Records. The record was set in February 2017 and still stands to this day. Not only did it look great but it also tasted pretty good too by all accounts!
02 – Easter Is Not Just One Day
Many people may put much of their focus on Easter Sunday as the main day to celebrate over this period. However, Easter actually extends for a whole week before that and has many other key days to think about. Known as the Holy Week, the 7 days leading up to Easter are important to many Christians serious about their faith. As already noted, Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus while Maundy Thursday marks the Last Supper.
01 – Easter Eggs Have A Hidden Meaning
We all love giving and receiving eggs to celebrate the Easter period. Many simply believe this is down to a bunny rabbit being the symbol of Easter. And the eggs relating to them. However, the choice of eggs to use as the shape and symbol of the festival is related to a hidden religious meaning. The hollow egg is actually represent the tomb that lay empty after Jesus came back to life. Along with protecting your teeth, it also explains why Easter eggs are hollow.
Easter is a big deal each year for Christians and many go to great lengths to celebrate it. From giving up food for lent to attending church on Easter Sunday, many Christians enjoy this period as a major part of their faith. The above shows some useful and interesting facts about the Easter period that you can take on-board, ready for the next time it comes around.
Easter Food Trends: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
As we celebrate Easter, a delightful blend of traditional flavors and innovative culinary trends takes center stage. This year, Easter family meals are more than just a feast; they’re a symbol of unity and joy. With an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced produce and sustainably farmed meats, these meals are not just about satisfying hunger but also about honoring our connection to the earth and our communities.
The trend of Easter dining at home has grown exponentially, reflecting our deepened appreciation for intimate, home-cooked meals. This shift has inspired many to explore new recipes and flavors, making this Easter a true culinary adventure. From the classic simnel cake to the trendy white chocolate flavors sweeping the season, there’s something to tantalize every palate.
Moreover, in response to the current economic climate, there’s a growing trend towards more budget-friendly Easter meals. Many are turning to ‘specials’ and ‘budget’ offers, like the quirky ‘wonky eggs’ – imperfect in appearance but perfect in taste. This approach not only makes Easter more accessible to all but also adds a unique twist to the celebration.
In essence, Easter is about savoring the simple pleasures of life. It’s about gathering around the table with loved ones, indulging in fine Easter foods, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s through a lavish family roast or a simple, heartfelt meal, the spirit of Easter is alive in every dish.
Embracing Easter: A Time of Togetherness and Joy
As we wrap up our exploration of Easter facts, it’s clear that this year’s celebration is all about cherishing the moments with our loved ones. From the trendy Easter decor gracing our homes to the delightful Easter family meals, every aspect of this festive season underscores the importance of togetherness.
This Easter, let’s remember to cherish the simple joys. The laughter shared over a meal, the stories exchanged around the table, and the warmth of being together. It’s these moments that truly define the spirit of Easter. So, whether you’re planning a grand family gathering or a cozy, intimate meal, let the essence of Easter fill your heart with happiness and your home with love.
As we look forward to celebrating Easter in our own unique ways, let’s carry the spirit of unity and joy into every aspect of our lives. Here’s to a wonderful Easter, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories! 🌸🐰