Easter baskets are an integral part of Easter celebration. There is a custom, during the Easter month, to load these baskets with sweets and candies that resemble eggs. Sometimes, hollow plastic eggs filled with coins and other goodies are also placed in these baskets. You may be inquisitive about from where this custom came from.
The Beginning
The concept of Easter baskets comes from number of culture and traditions just like the Easter festival itself. The custom traces its beginning to the traditions of Judeo-Christian and pagan practices. In ancient time the spring equinox was considered as important time throughout Europe. The winter was long lived and painful for the entire regions (the same climatic condition still prevails). The spring was regarded as the period of renewal and rebirth. This was the time when the farmers used to plant new seeds in their fields.
Easter Meals and Baskets
This traditional is closely connected to Western Christianity. Lent, a period of religious devotion and abstinence from dairy products, eggs and meat, falls just before the Easter. The period of Lent comes to an end on the day of Easter, a celebration of extravagant family meal. People used to take food items in baskets to the Mass. The family priest would bless these people.
The German Connection
Immigrants to the USA from Germany give a different version of the tradition. They attribute the tradition to the youngsters of Pennsylvania Dutch who would place eggs on their rabbit’s nest. Though the festival is considered hugely religious, it brings with it the message of birth and vitality. The festival is also observed with many other traditions and customs.
The Easter baskets and eggs are hallmark to this festival of birth and renewal. Whatever be their historical linking it has become a custom all around the world.
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