Easter is one of the most beloved holidays of the year, and it’s often celebrated with chocolate. This sweet treat has been part of Easter festivities for centuries, from gifting a box of chocolates to indulging in an Easter egg hunt. But why have we come to associate Easter with chocolate? At Hill St. Chocolatiers in Saffron Walden, we believe that there are many reasons why giving or eating chocolate eggs at Easter has become such an integral part of our holiday celebrations.
The tradition of giving eggs at Easter
The tradition of eating and gifting chocolate at Easter dates back centuries ago when Christian Europeans began exchanging eggs as symbols of rebirth during Lent season. This evolved into candy-filled eggs made from sugar paste or marzipan, which became popular during springtime festivals at the end of Lent on Easter Sunday. Later on, these treats were replaced by hollowed-out chicken eggs filled with sweets and even small toys! It wasn’t much later that solidified cocoa butter was used to make edible “chocolate” eggs - a practice that continues today in many countries around the world.
The Victorian era saw a significant rise in the popularity of gifting chocolate at Easter. At the time, it was seen as an extravagant and luxurious chocolate treat, so gifting chocolates became a sign of status. Chocolate eggs were especially popular among children, as they were fun to eat and could be saved for later, or even traded with siblings.
The British chocolatier JS Fry & Sons are often credited with being the first to produce a hollow chocolate egg. To keep up with the growing demand for this new treat, they created a special machine to produce their eggs in 1873. This advanced technology allowed them to create hollow eggs at an unprecedented rate, which would soon become the most popular Easter treat in the UK.
Easter and Chocolate in the UK Today
Today, chocolate is still an integral part of Easter celebrations for many British people. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), over two-thirds of consumers purchase chocolate or other sweet treats during the Easter period.
Every year in the UK, around 80 million Easter eggs are sold, with each child consuming an average of 8 of them. That's over 8,000 calories! For the 2023 Easter season, parents are going to spend around £25 per child on sweet treats and chocolate and other friends and family will add a further £31, resulting in an estimated expenditure of £56 per child.
The survey also found that British consumers spend an average of £8.90 on chocolate for Easter and that over 30% buy multiple Easter eggs to gift to friends and family. In addition, the average chocolate egg purchased in the UK is 138g and contains around 320 calories. On average, people in Britain consume 8kg of chocolate a year, with the majority of this consumed during the Easter. period
At Hill St. Chocolatiers in Saffron Walden and Cambridge, we pride ourselves on creating delicious and luxurious handmade chocolates for all occasions. We are proud to offer an extensive selection of chocolates that are perfect for gifting at Easter, from luxurious chocolate Easter eggs to indulgent truffles, ganache and praline. All of our chocolates are handmade with the finest ingredients.
So why not treat yourself or a loved one this Easter with one of our exquisite Hill St. chocolatecreations?
FAQs
The tradition of giving eggs at Easter
What is the history of chocolate eggs at Easter? ›
In 1873, J.S. Fry & Sons produced the first hollow chocolate egg using egg moulds. Manufacturing their first Easter egg in 1875, Cadbury created the modern chocolate Easter egg after developing a pure cocoa butter that could be moulded into smooth shapes.
Why do we eat chocolate eggs at Easter? ›
Before being a chocolate delicacy, the egg is the emblem of life, especially in the Christian religion. Naturally, this meaning coincides with the resurrection of Christ, which is celebrated at Easter. The chocolate Easter egg would then be the descendant of a custom imbued with a strong spiritual symbolism.
What does chocolate eggs have to do with Jesus? ›
The egg itself became a symbol of the Resurrection. Just as Jesus rose from the tomb, the egg symbolized new life emerging from the eggshell. In the Orthodox tradition, eggs are painted red to symbolize the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.
What do rabbits and eggs have to do with Jesus? ›
Her symbol was the rabbit because of the animal's high reproduction rate. Spring also symbolized new life and rebirth; eggs were an ancient symbol of fertility. According to History.com, Easter eggs represent Jesus' resurrection.
What is the story behind Easter eggs? ›
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.
What do Easter eggs symbolize? ›
Throughout history, people have given each other eggs at spring festivals to celebrate the new season. Eggs represent new life and rebirth, and it's thought that this ancient custom became a part of Easter celebrations.
What does the bunny represent in Easter? ›
According to Discovery News, since ancient times, eggs and rabbits have been a symbol of fertility, while spring has been a symbol of rebirth. So even though rabbits don't lay eggs, the association of these symbols was almost natural.
What did Jesus do on Easter Sunday? ›
Jesus came to earth to save humanity by dying on the cross on Good Friday and resurrecting on Easter Sunday. By enduring and defeating death sacrificially for people, He swung open the gates of heaven making a way for sins to be forgiven and usher Christians into the presence of God (Romans 5:8)."
Can Christians eat Easter eggs? ›
Lenten Observances: For those who observe Lent, Easter eggs may be eaten at the end of this period as a symbol of its conclusion and the celebration of Easter. This usually starts from Easter Sunday onwards.
Traditionally, after blessing the food on Holy Saturday, we begin the celebration. However, there are some things you must not do on Easter. Sunday is a holy day that we should dedicate to God and use for rest. You should not then clean, wash, work or do other things.
What is the real Easter story? ›
Easter is one of the principal holidays, or feasts, of Christianity. It marks the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting and penitence.
Does the Bible mention the Easter Bunny? ›
History of the Easter Bunny
There's no mention of the Easter Bunny in the Bible of course, so its origins aren't necessarily religious.
Why is Easter called Easter? ›
Given the symbolism of new life and rebirth, it was only natural to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at this time of the year. The naming of the celebration as “Easter” seems to go back to the name of a pre-Christian goddess in England, Eostre, who was celebrated at beginning of spring.
What is the connection between Easter and chocolate? ›
The tradition of eating and gifting chocolate at Easter dates back centuries ago when Christian Europeans began exchanging eggs as symbols of rebirth during Lent season.
Why does the Easter bunny bring chocolate eggs? ›
So why does the Easter bunny bring eggs? According to Discovery News, since ancient times, eggs and rabbits have been a symbol of fertility, while spring has been a symbol of rebirth. So even though rabbits don't lay eggs, the association of these symbols was almost natural.
Which country eats the most chocolate Easter eggs? ›
Australians are the number one consumers of chocolate Easter eggs in the world.
What is the history of the Cadbury Easter egg? ›
Cadbury's first chocolate Easter egg
George & Richard Cadbury launched the first Cadbury Easter egg in 1875. It was made with dark chocolate and had a smooth, plain surface. They were filled with sugar-coated chocolate drops known as 'dragees'.
Do Americans celebrate Easter with chocolate eggs? ›
Most people in the United States enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging about 40 calories and just one teaspoon of added sugar per day. Everyone has a favorite: Add some sweetness to any Easter basket with some of Americans' top Easter treats: Chocolate eggs or bunnies.
