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