Learn some of the fascinating history of filling Easter baskets with candy and sweets.
Every Easter, we gather our friends and family to share Easter baskets full of delicious candies and chocolates. But when did this tasty tradition start? When did Easter become a day for loved ones to indulge in the sweetest and most colorful treats? Impress your loved ones with your knowledge of the history of Easter baskets, then fill up your family baskets this year with some of the best chocolate eggs, bunnies, jelly beans, and gummies from Wockenfuss Candies.
The Origin of Easter Baskets
In ancient cultures, Easter was the spring equinox, the time of the year when the hours of day and night were equal. For farmers, this marked the beginning of transitioning from the dark days of winter to the sunny days of spring and the harvest that season brings. This celebration references the Anglo-Saxon goddess of fertility and spring, Eostre. According to an eighth-century manuscript written by the English monk Bede, many people held feasts to honor Eostre – and this goddess was shown holding a woven basket in the crook of her arm.
Filling Easter Baskets with Treats
When did people start filling Easter baskets with goodies like chocolate rabbits, eggs, and candies? The rabbit became a symbol of Easter due to its connection with fertility. According to European folklore, a rabbit would leave a basket filled with colored eggs for children; when Europeans settled in America, they brought this story with them. Since then, eggs (decorated or not) have been a common symbol of Easter and the season of rebirth.
Exchanging Baskets with Loved Ones
So now you have your Easter baskets filled with symbols of fertility and rebirth, like rabbits and eggs. But why do we share them with others instead of filling Easter baskets for ourselves? The tradition of exchanging baskets is thought to be descended from early medieval Catholics. To celebrate the end of Lent, they brought baskets of delicious goods to church so a priest could bless them. These symbols of fertility, rebirth, and renewed indulgence after Lent have combined into modern traditions related to filling Easter baskets with our favorite candies.
Fill Your Easter Baskets at Wockenfuss
Filling Easter baskets for friends and family is easy when you visit your local Wockenfuss. The following are just a sample of some of our delicious Easter treats:
- Solid Chocolate Bunnies (White, Dark, and Milk Chocolate)
- Hollow Chocolate Bunnies
- Chocolate Eggs
- Chocolate Cream Eggs
- Marshmallow Peeps and Bunnies
- Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
- Nonpareils
Your Easter baskets will look their best this spring with help from Wockenfuss!
A Wide Selection of Delicious Treats from Wockenfuss Candies
Head to WockenfussCandies.com and browse our wide selection of chocolates and candies; we promise you won’t be disappointed! Wockenfuss Candies is one of the oldest candy makers in Baltimore. We opened our doors in 1915 and have proudly served the people of Baltimore ever since. If you have any questions about our wide selection of chocolates, please contact Wockenfuss Candies by calling 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!