Easter has been a special Christian holiday for decades. But this memorable day of the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has evolved. While Christians partake in the remembrance, some non-Christians take the celebration up a notch. Now, there are Easter bunnies and eggs, and several other Easter traditions from around the world.

 

You would think at this point you’d know all there is to know about Easter. Wrong!!! There is a lot more about this special season that makes up for those times you went blank when the ‘know-it-alls’ were speaking. Here are Easter facts that can fill up the blanks about your knowledge of one of the most anticipated holidays in history.

 

10 fun facts about Easter you should know

 

1. Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ three days after his death. It is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important day of the church year.

 

2. The name, Easter, owes its origin from Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess who symbolises hare and egg.

 

3. The exchange or giving of Easter eggs actually dates back to before Easter.

 

4. Many consider the giving of eggs to be a symbol of rebirth in many cultures. They see eggs as an ancient symbol of fertility, while springtime brings new life and rebirth.

 

5. The idea of the Easter bunny giving candies and eggs supposedly originated in Germany during the middle ages.

 

6. The first story of a rabbit (later named the “Easter Bunny”) hiding eggs in a garden was first published in 1680.

 

7. The Holy Week occurs during the week leading up to Easter. It begins on Palm Sunday, continues on to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and then, finally, Easter Sunday.

 

8. There used to be a tradition that churches observed that resembled the game of “hot potato.” The priest would throw a hard-boiled egg to one of the choir boys, and then it is tossed from one choir boy to the next. When the clock struck 12, whoever held the egg, was the winner and got to keep the egg.

 

9. Are you an ears, arms or tail person? 76% of people eat the ears on the chocolate bunny first, five per cent go for the feet, and four per cent for the tail.

 

10. Next to Halloween, Easter is the biggest candy-consuming holiday of the year. Good thing they are almost six months apart, perfect for your yearly dentist check-ups!