Easter may be known as Christian celebration, but celebrating
rebirth and re-awakening during Springtime dates back to pagan times. We’re delving
into the ideas behind our Easter traditions, and we why give Easter gifts at
this time of year.
Easter Eggs
Easter eggs are probably the most recognisable Easter gift
out there! The chocolate variety has become a go-to Easter gift here in the UK,
but painted and decorated eggs are popular too and are often used as
decorations around the home during Easter time. Easter Egg hunts are also
popular with families at this time of year.
Eggs have long been associated with this time of year, as they
symbolised new life and fertility in pagan traditions. These ideas also fit in
with the Christian story of Jesus’ rebirth at Easter time.
When
did chocolate eggs become a tradition?
The first chocolate eggs appeared in France and Germany in
the 19th Century, but they were bitter and hard. As chocolate-making techniques
improved, hollow eggs like the ones we have today were developed. They very
quickly became popular and remain a favourite tradition with chocolate-lovers
today.
The Easter Bunny
The earliest evidence the Easter Bunny dates back to the
1600s, when it's first mentioned in German stories about a rabbit, called
"Oschter Haws" or Easter hare -
he was believed to lay a nest of colourful eggs for children who were
good!
The tradition of the Easter Bunny is said to have been
brought to America by German immigrants in the 1700s. The tradition spread
throughout the US, where children would make nests for the bunny to leave
behind eggs.
Over time, the eggs eventually became chocolates and sweets
and the nests were replaced by baskets, which are still used today.
Fabulous Easter Gifts
For the grown-ups, jewellery makes a lovely Easter gift! We
have lots of lovely Easter jewellery to update your Spring wardrobe. Take a
peek at our Easter selection here – maybe it’s time to start dropping hints to
the Easter Bunny!