Easter Basket History
It’s hard to imagine Easter without Easter Baskets. Traditionally, these are filled with candy treats such as chocolates and jelly beans, usually in the shape of an egg. There may also be hollow plastic eggs with coins or other treats inside. But did you ever wonder where the whole idea of baskets on Easter came from in the first place?
Like the Easter holiday itself, the basket is the result of the confluence of several traditions from different cultures. Some of these stem from the Judeo-Christian tradition; others date back to pagan customs.
In ancient Europe, the vernal or spring equinox was a significant time. In the original home of the Indo-Aryan peoples – ancestors of most of the ethnic and linguistic groups of Europe as well as Armenia, Kurdistan, Iran, Afghanistan and India – winters were long and bitter. Spring was considered a time of renewal and rebirth.
Among Semitic-speaking peoples of the ancient Middle East – who include the Hebrews, Arabs, Babylonians, Assyrians and others – it was a tradition to bring the first seedlings of the growing season to the temples in order to insure a successful harvest. This connection to agriculture is also reflected in the holiday’s relationship to the cycles of the moon; it is always held on the Sunday (day of Sol Invictus, or the “Unconquerable Sun”) following the first full moon after the spring equinox. To early farmers, the phase of the moon was always significant in determining when to plant seeds.
The tradition of Easter Gift Baskets is really most closely connected to Western Christianity, however. In the Roman Catholic Church, Easter is only part of an entire season of rituals and observances that begin forty-six days prior to Easter itself. Many who have experienced the revelry of Mardi Gras or Carnivale don’t realize that the “Fat Tuesday” celebration represents a last chance to party before entering that period called Lent – when the devout are expected to fast and give up meat, eggs and dairy. Lent ends on Easter, hence the tradition of a large, sumptuous family meal. At one time, it was a tradition for Roman Catholic families to carry the food for Easter dinner to Mass in a basket, where it could be blessed by the priest – harking back to the ancient tradition of bringing first crops and seedlings to the temple.
German immigrants to the U.S. contributed their own customs. “Pennsylvania Dutch” children eagerly awaited the Osterhase to deliver eggs on Easter Sunday, which he would deposit on his “rabbit’s nest” – hence the tradition of lining Easter gift baskets with grass (or more commonly today, artificial decorative grass).
Although considered a religious holiday, Easter is really a universal expression of renewal and new beginnings.
About the Author
Anne Harvester is a homemaker extraordinaire with years of experience creating spectacular events and gifts. See her favorite Gift baskets, Easter gift baskets, childrens Easter gift.
Easter Baskets
|
|
Dozen Wooden Chicken Faux Fake Eggs Kitchen Decor Beige $12.99 Egg-sactly what you’re looking for. This set of a dozen wooden eggs makes for the perfect display item for your kitchen, or a great way to have fun with the kids on Easter. Never again worry about kids dropping hard-boiled eggs everywhere, and have fun while easily decorating your kitchen. This is a BRAND NEW item, made of wood. Each egg measures approximately 2.5″ long. Perfect for display or p… |
|
|
Wilton Easter 18pc Metal Cookie Cutter Set $8.70 Shapes included: cross, butterfly, chick, lamb, bunny face, bunny, jelly bean, sun, egg, basket, leaping bunny, daisy, sprinkling can, tulip, flower, umbrella, rabbit, and carrot. Size: approximately 3″. Includes 18 pieces. … |
|
|
Grasslands Road Easter 2-1/2-Inch by 4-1/4-Inch by 2-1/2-Inch Bunny Salt And Pepper Set with Basket Caddy $8.45 Grasslands Road Bunny Salt & Pepper Shaker Set…. |
|
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Turtles’ Awesome Easter [VHS] $4.69 … |
|
|
Peter Rabbit Springtime Songs $24.65 Peter Rabbit Springtime Songs CD Includes 20 Hippity Hop & Sing Along Songs! Melodies about Farmyard Friends, Woodland Creatures & Singing BUGS! From the WORLD of BEATRIX POTTER! Terrific EASTER CD!… |
|
|
Drew’s Famous 30 Greatest Race Track Classics $2.35 30 Greatest Race Track Classics Disc 1 includes……………………………… Radar Love-Runnin’ with the Devil-Low Rider-I’m Bad,I’m Nationwide-Life in the Fast Lane-Flirtin’with Disaster-Six Days on the Road-Ready to Run-Hot Rod Lincoln-Slow Ride-Welcome to the Jungle-Born to be Wild-drive my Car-Guitars,Cadillacs-Midnight Riker __________________________________ Disc 2………………….. |
|
|
Help the Easter Bunny!/Save the Visitor’s Birthday Party! $1.99 … |
|
|
Jazzercise – The Best Yet Live [VHS] $9.99 NEW AND STILL IN MANUFACTURERS SEAL THIS VHS IS IN MINT CONDITION AND ANY JAZZERCISE ENTHUSIAST WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS IN THEIR JAZZERCISE LIBRARY! 60 Min Workout Easter Basket March 23rd. Mothers Day May 11 th. Hurry… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Easter Collection – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Easter Night Light – Bunny Eggs – LED NIGHT LIGHT $19.99 This is a very fun Easter night light with an image by talented artist Lainey Daniels. This image truly does light up beautifully when lit and is perfect for any room in the house. This light makes a very unique gift and perfect as a stocking stuffer, office gift, or grab bag gift. Photographic image is printed in the USA using high quality inks and is very colorful. **PLEASE NOTE** Unlike cheaper… |
