Something About Easter Eggs
By Lynn Blamires Content Writer for My Local Utah
Which came first the chicken or the Easter Bunny and what does that have to do with eggs? Well, that is obvious. Chickens are real and the Easter Bunny is a story, but that leaves the Easter Eggs to deal with.
Easter Is About Jesus Christ
Easter is about our Savior, Jesus Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection. It is a time to reflect on this wonderful event and what it means to us. So how did eggs on Easter come about?
The Practice of Giving Eggs
English Heritage consulted Food Historian, Sam Bilton who shared this:
“Throughout history, people across the world have given each other eggs at spring festivals to mark the seasons. Early Christians in Mesopotamia dyed eggs in the period after Easter. The practice was adopted by the Orthodox Churches, and from there it spread into Western Europe. Eggs represent new life and rebirth, and it’s thought that this ancient custom was absorbed into Easter celebrations.”
“Various traditions and superstitions sprang up around the egg at Easter. Eggs laid on Good Friday were said to turn into diamonds if they were kept for 100 years. Some thought that eggs cooked on Good Friday and eaten on Easter would promote fertility and prevent sudden death, and it became the custom to have your eggs blessed before you ate them. It was also said that if your egg had two yolks, you’d soon become rich.”
The Easter Bunny Is a Secular Symbol
Meanwhile, History.com reports that “many Easter traditions are not found in the Bible. The most prominent secular symbol of the Christian holiday, the Easter bunny, was reportedly introduced to America by German immigrants. They brought stories of an egg-laying hare who delivered decorated eggs to well-behaved children on Easter Sunday. The exact origins of this mythical mammal are unclear, but rabbits, known to be prolific procreators, are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life.”
Children Had No Problem Embracing the Easter Bunny
“Children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the custom spread across the U.S., and the fabled rabbit’s Easter morning deliveries expanded to include chocolate and other types of candy and gifts, while decorated baskets replaced nests. Additionally, children often left out carrots for the bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping.”
Why Decorate Eggs?
“One explanation for the custom of decorating eggs is they were formerly a forbidden food during the Lenten season, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration.”
Easter Is a Big Holiday for Candy
“Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in America after Halloween. Among the most popular sweet treats associated with this day are chocolate eggs, which date back to early 19th century Europe.”
“The largest Easter egg ever made was over 25 feet high and weighed over 8,000 pounds. It was built out of chocolate and marshmallow and supported by an internal steel frame.”
Jellybeans Sort of Look Like Eggs
“Another egg-shaped candy, the jellybean, became associated with Easter in the 1930s. According to the National Confectioners Association, over 16 billion jellybeans are made in the U.S. each year for Easter, enough to fill a giant egg measuring 89 feet high and 60 feet wide.”
I Don’t Give a Peep About Peeps
For the past decade, the top-selling non-chocolate Easter candy has been the marshmallow Peep, a sugary, pastel-colored confection shaped like a baby bunny or chick. While I am not captivated by these popular Peeps, obviously children are. Did you know there have been approximately 40 flavors that have been and are being made currently? “Flavors” like Pink, Blue, Yellow, and Lavender are traditional and expected if you will. However, flavors like Hot Tamale, Root Beer Float, Kettle Corn, or Fruit Punch are making things hoppin’ on the candy aisle.
Local Celebrations
While all of this history might be interesting to adults, we have already lost the interest of the children. More to their liking is the Easter egg hunts scheduled that are designed with the little ones in mind.
Easter Egg Dash in North Salt Lake
The NSL Youth City Council will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Dash on April 8th at 9 am at Hatch Park. This is a free event for kids up to age 11. There will be a special needs section and pics with the Easter Bunny. Come join the fun!
Easter Egg Hunt in Centerville
Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday 8th 9:00-9:15 Community Park 1340 N 400 E Centerville, UT
Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast at Fairfield Village in Layton
Bring your basket & join in on our Easter Egg Hunt & Continental Breakfast on Saturday, April 8th, at 10 a.m. at Fairfield Village (1205 North Fairfield Road). The Easter Bunny will bring eggs and prizes. Enjoy celebrating with family and friends. Everyone is welcome.
Easter Scavenger Hunt – Wheeler Historic Farm, Murray Utah.
Join us for our Scavenger Hunt-style Easter event. Participants will solve riddles and collect eggs to redeem for their basket as they explore the farm. Choose from two levels of difficulty to challenge your minds!
The Easter Bunny will be here—so don’t forget your camera!
Easter Dog Bone Hunts – Wheeler Historic Farm, Murray Utah
Easter Has Gone to the Dogs! Bring your pooch to our annual Easter Bone Hunt! This event is Pre-Register only. We have TWO hunt times 3 pm – 5 pm or 5 pm – 7 pm. Pups will be divided by size, and get to search for bone-filled Easter Eggs. All doggie participants receive goody bags. All doggy participants will receive an Easter goodie bag, access to our off-leash area and a visit with the Easter Bunny, and entrance into the hunt zones. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Easter Egg Hunt at Stunning Dance Studio
Come join us for an Easter Egg Hunt, face painting, sack races, games, freeze dance, and prizes! Hunt will take place outside, weather permitting. Most other activities will be indoors. There will be a visit from the dancing Easter Bunny, Miss Alicia. April 8th from 10 am-12:30 pm
Scavenger Hunt at the Layton Heritage Museum
Join the Heritage Museum for their Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Bring your family for a fun activity and earn a prize when you find the eggs! The Museum is open Monday-Thursday 11-6, Friday 11-5, and Saturday 1-5.
Hurricane Valley Rotary Easter Car Show at Hurricane Community Center
The 2023 Easter Car Show is coming up, and it is sure to be a memorable event. Join us at the Hurricane Community Center (100 W 100 S) on Easter Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for a day filled with unique vehicles and good company. The annual event, organized by the Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley, is expected to draw a crowd of 8,000-10,000 visitors.
Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your own ride at the show! You can register online in advance or on the day of the event.
Easter Bunny Breakfast at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi Utah
Celebrate Easter with the whole family at Easter Bunny Breakfast. Choose your personal preferences at our breakfast buffet, and enjoy a complimentary picture with the Easter Bunny and other fun activities including an Easter Egg Hunt and a bunny petting zoo!
Easter is a time of worship
Attend a church of your choice on Easter Sunday. Express gratitude for the Savior in your life and in the lives of your family. Learn about Him and what he has done for us.