The History of Easter
Easter where did it come from and why do we celebrate it today? Well, Christians celebrate it because of the resurrection of Christ. But most of us celebrate it because the Easter bunny gives us chocolatey treats to find. But who is this bunny and why does he bring us treats? The Easter bunny came with the Germans when they started moving here as the “Osterhase”. As the legend of the Easter bunny grew it spread all across America.
The children back then would make nests for the Easter bunny to put eggs in. That is how the Easter bunny started hiding Easter eggs. The Easter bunny would also give early morning gifts that included cholate, and other types of candy and toys. The eggs however were not brought by the Germans but have been associated with pagan festivals in spring. Some sources say that the eggs were a formally forbidden food during the lent season and the eggs were decorated to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration. They also symbolize Jesuses tomb and resurrection.
Easter candy surprisingly is the second most bought candy in the US next to Halloween candy. Out of all the sweet treats that come with this holiday chocolate Easter eggs, date back to 19th-century Europe. The other egg-shaped candy that is popular is the jelly bean. According to the national confectioners association, 16 billion jelly beans are made in the US enough to fill a giant egg 60 feet wide and 89 feet tall. Other candies such as Peep’s marshmallows shaped like little yellow chicks. Reses cups, and Hershey.
Easter has come a long way and is still here today. From the 13th century, the US manufactured 16 billion jelly beans a year. And still, people enjoy it making Easter eggs celebrating, and eating candy. But no one can ever know how and when Easter started because after all history can change.
Eli Tillmann is a 7th Grader who loves journalism. In his free time, he snowboards, plays guitar, skateboards, plays soccer, plays video games, and eats...