Easter

Fun Facts About Easter

• Easter's date changes each year because it's set as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. The earliest it can occur is March 22, and the latest April 25
• The Easter Bunny tradition originated in Germany, where it was known as the Easter hare that laid colored eggs for children. It was brought to America by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s.
• Easter eggs symbolize new life and rebirth. Early Christians dyed them red to represent the blood of Jesus. This practice was adopted from ancient cultures who used eggs as fertility symbols.
• The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany in the 1800s from pastry and sugar, predating the widespread popularity of chocolate versions decades later.
• Americans buy around 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies each year. Three out of four people eat the ears first.
• The world's tallest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy in 2011. It stood over 34 feet tall, weighed more than 15,000 pounds, and was displayed at a shopping center.
• The White House Easter Egg Roll tradition in the U.S. began in 1878 under President Hayes when he opened the South Lawn to children wanting to roll eggs. It has been held every year since, but there have been cancellations for reasons like severe weather and war.
• While Halloween usually leads in overall candy spending due to trick-or-treating and massive chocolate sales, Easter often ranks #1 in total seasonal candy sales. This is largely driven by speciality items like chocolate eggs, marshmallow chicks, and jelly beans which are available only during the Easter holiday season.