You may wonder why it’s an Easter bunny who brings eggs at Easter, but hares and rabbits, as well as eggs, have been symbols of rebirth since pagan times – perfect at Springtime when there is new growth everywhere. According to the Venerable Bede, Easter is derived from the Angle Saxon goddess of Spring, Eostre. Since the early Christian celebrations were around the same time of year they gradually absorbed the Pagan traditions. In Medieval Europe eggs were forbidden during Lent so Christians around the world would eat eggs and dairy on the day before Lent, Mardi Gras (‘Fat Tuesday’), before 40 days of abstinence. That’s why we still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday to this day and why eggs became a primary part of Easter feasts because of course the chickens didn’t stop laying! People collected a surplus of eggs which was then used up quickly after Lent. That’s why dishes like Hungarian potato casserole or the Spanish hornazo, eaten around Easter, feature so many eggs. Gradually traditions built up around eggs like painting and decorating them as well as playing games with them. The introduction of the hare or bunny seems to have come from Germany where an ‘Easter Hare’ laid eggs for children to find. They also baked cakes in the shape of hares which may have been the forerunner to chocolate bunnies and eggs. There’s no historical reason why we eat chocolate – but any excuse! Easter facts and things to make Great egg-spectations
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