Easter

Easter is a festive holiday rich with traditions, symbols, and fascinating history. From ancient origins to quirky modern customs, the celebration spans cultures and generations. Dive into this collection of fun and surprising facts about Easter, its cherished traditions, and delightful surprises that make it one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide.
Easter
  1. Easter gets its name from Eostre, an ancient pagan goddess of spring and fertility.
  2. The Easter Bunny tradition likely began in Germany, where children believed a magical hare laid colorful eggs.
  3. The world’s largest chocolate egg weighed over 15,000 pounds and was made in Italy in 2011.
  4. Eggs were originally dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ during early Christian celebrations.
  5. President Rutherford B. Hayes hosted the first White House Egg Roll in 1878.
  6. Easter is the second-largest candy holiday in the U.S., right after Halloween.
  7. Millions of Peeps marshmallow candies are sold every year, making them a holiday staple since 1953.
  8. The lunar calendar and spring equinox determine Easter’s date, causing it to shift yearly.
  1. In Sweden, children dress as witches instead of waiting for the Easter Bunny.
  2. Hot cross buns, a popular Easter treat, have been baked since the 12th century.
  3. In Australia, the Easter Bilby has replaced the bunny to raise awareness for the endangered bilby species.
  4. The tradition of egg rolling symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’ tomb.
  5. Lilies, a symbol of purity and rebirth, became associated with the holiday in the 19th century.
  6. Germans set a world record in 2012 by decorating a tree with 82,404 eggs.
  7. New Yorkers have celebrated Easter parades since the late 1800s, drawing thousands of participants annually.

Thomas Alva Edison

Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor and businessman, is best known for his contributions to electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures. Here are some Thomas Edison fun facts:
Thomas Alva Edison
1

Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio.

2

He held over 1,000 patents for his inventions.

3

Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, which was the first device to record and reproduce sound.

4

He improved the design of the electric light bulb, making it practical for home use.

5

Edison established the first industrial research laboratory at Menlo Park, New Jersey.

6

He developed the motion picture camera and helped create the motion picture industry.

7

Edison was partially deaf, a condition that began in childhood.

8

He founded General Electric, one of the largest companies in the world.

9

Edison's famous quote is 'Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.'

10

He worked with Nikola Tesla for a brief period before they had a falling out.

11

Edison also invented the electric pen, an early version of the mimeograph machine.

12

He created the first power station, which supplied electricity to parts of New York City.

13

Edison was known for his tireless work ethic and often worked long hours in his laboratory.

14

He developed the first commercially viable fluoroscope, a type of X-ray machine.

15

Thomas Edison passed away on October 18, 1931, at his home in West Orange, New Jersey.

Voltaire

Voltaire, a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher, is known for his wit, criticism of Christianity, and advocacy of freedom of speech and religion. Here are some Voltaire fun facts.
Voltaire
1

Voltaire was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. His real name was François-Marie Arouet.

2

He adopted the pen name Voltaire, which is believed to be an anagram of 'Arouet le jeune' (Arouet the younger).

3

Voltaire was imprisoned in the Bastille for 11 months due to his satirical writings about the French government.

4

He spent three years in exile in England, where he was greatly influenced by the country's constitutional monarchy and respect for civil liberties.

5

Voltaire's most famous work, 'Candide,' is a satirical novella that criticizes optimism and organized religion.

6

He was a prolific writer, producing more than 20,000 letters and 2,000 books and pamphlets.

7

Voltaire was a strong advocate for freedom of speech and religious tolerance, often challenging the Catholic Church and French institutions.

8

He corresponded with many influential figures of his time, including Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, and Benjamin Franklin.

9

Voltaire's wit and sharp tongue often got him into trouble, leading to several exiles and conflicts with authorities.

10

He was known for his love of coffee, reportedly drinking up to 40 cups a day.

11

Voltaire amassed considerable wealth through smart investments and his involvement in various business ventures.

12

He was a deist, believing in a rational God but rejecting organized religion and the supernatural aspects of Christianity.

13

Voltaire's writings and ideas significantly influenced the French Revolution and the development of modern democratic thought.

14

He lived at his estate in Ferney (now Ferney-Voltaire) near the Swiss border for the last 20 years of his life, turning it into a hub of intellectual activity.

15

Voltaire died on May 30, 1778, in Paris, and his remains were moved to the Panthéon in 1791, where he is interred alongside other great French thinkers.