Easter and chocolate have been together for centuries- dating back to 1873 when the first hollow Easter chocolate egg was sold in the UK by JS Frys and Son [1]. But why did confections in the shape of eggs find their way into Easter baskets?
Eggs are a historical symbol of fertility and rebirth [2]. The Christian church celebrated Easter because Jesus was resurrected. The same rebirth is found with the introduction of springtime. A rebirth of vegetation and greenery is usually paired with the coming of Easter.
According to Professor James Daybell, associate head of research at the University of Plymouth, “within the Christian tradition of Easter, the egg has long symbolized new life, birth, purity, fertility and regeneration.” Some sources maintain that the tradition of Easter eggs was brought forth by Western Christians who were prohibited from consuming eggs throughout Lent [3].
“Easter eggs are used as a Christian symbol to represent the empty tomb. The outside of the egg looks dead but inside there is new life, which is going to break out. The Easter egg is a reminder that Jesus will rise from His tomb and bring new life. Eastern Orthodox Christians dye boiled eggs red to represent the blood of Christ shed for the sins of the world” [4].
Honeymoon doesn’t sell Easter eggs - at least not yet! Checkout our blog next week to hear more about our chocolate tea.
Cheers!
-Cam
[1] “History of the UK's First Chocolate Easter Egg: Preston Park Museum.” Preston Park Museum and Grounds, 9 Apr. 2020, www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/the-story-behind-the-uks-first-chocolate-egg/.
[2] David Leeming (2005). The Oxford Companion to World Mythology. Oxford University Press. p. 111. Retrieved 10 March 2013. “For many, Easter is synonymous with fertility symbols such as the Easter Rabbit, Easter Eggs, and the Easter lily.”
[3] Gainsford, Peter (26 March 2018). "Easter and paganism. Part 2". Kiwi Hellenist. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
[4] Anne Jordan (2000). Christianity. Nelson Thornes. ISBN 978-0748753208. Retrieved 7 April 2012.