Spring has always been a time for celebration and many of our Easter customs go much further back than you may have guessed.
The Ancient Egyptians and the Persians began to colour eggs to give as gifts during their spring festival. According to Anglo-Saxon myth, Ostara, wanting to delight some children turned her pet bird into a rabbit. The rabbit proceeded to lay brightly colored eggs, which Ostara gave to the children.
In Medieval Europe, churchgoers would take a walk after Easter Mass, led by a crucifix of the Easter candle. Today these walks endure as Easter Parades.
In Victorian England, Easter cards arrived when a stationer added a greeting to a drawing of a rabbit, whilst the Germans were probably the first to start making chocolate bunnies and eggs. As Easter celebrations became more common in Victorian times, the custom of chocolate eggs took hold.
With relatives gathered around over the holidays, it's a great opportunity to share your research, stories and photos with your family. Living relatives are often your greatest resource, but they're frequently under-used.