Easter: The History of The Egg Hunt

 

With only a few days before the Easter holidays start for many, arrangements for Easter Egg Hunts are most certainly well in place, but do you know the history of the Easter Egg Hunt? 

 

The Easter Egg Hunt has a long and rich history, blending ancient customs with Christian and modern practices, making it a fun and meaningful tradition enjoyed by many families worldwide. 

 

It is a popular tradition, particularly for children and involves hiding decorated or special eggs around a designated area, such as gardens, parks or church grounds. The children then search for the hidden eggs, usually within a certain time limit or until all eggs have been found. 

The eggs themselves can be real hard-boiled eggs that are dyed and decorated (and a really fun activity to do with the little ones), plastic eggs filled with goodies like chocolate, sweets or small surprises or chocolate eggs – although not to be left too long, if it’s a sunny, hot day! It’s a light-hearted and fun activity, encouraging children to explore and work together while celebrating Easter, which is of course associated with themes of renewal, rebirth and new life. 

 

However, the history of the Easter Egg Hunt is tied to both ancient traditions and Christian celebrations of Easter. The custom has evolved over time, blending pagan and Christian practices, as well as various regional customs. 

 

It is thought to have emerged in Europe, particularly in Germany, in the 17th and 18th centuries. German children would search for eggs that were hidden by the ‘Osterhase," or most commonly known as the Easter Bunny, a symbol of fertility and new life. This tradition was eventually brought to America in the 1700s where the Easter egg hunt became a popular family activity. 

 

In addition to the eggs, the Easter Bunny became a central figure in the holiday celebrations. The bunny was originally a symbol of fertility and as such, was a natural companion to the eggs, which also symbolised life and renewal. 

By the 19th century, Easter Egg Hunts were common in Western countries like the UK and the practice continued to evolve. The modern Easter Egg Hunt, in which children search for hidden eggs, has become a widespread tradition, though the customs and the specifics of the hunt can vary from region to region. 

 

In recent decades, Easter Egg Hunts have expanded beyond homes and churches to public spaces like parks, where large-scale hunts are organised, sometimes involving hundreds or even thousands of eggs, sometimes raising money and awareness for local charities. 

 

Are you organising an Easter Egg Hunt this year, or perhaps joining an organised one? Let us know in the comments below. None of the team are organising one, but they are certainly joining in with lots! 

 

Happy Easter to you all!