Easter Traditions

Millions of kids haven’t got a clue why we celebrate Easter or eat eggs to mark the occasion, a study revealed yesterday.

Researchers found that a staggering 53 per cent have no idea why we traditionally mark the Easter period.

Almost 30 per cent think it’s to celebrate the Easter Bunny’s birthday, while almost one in 20 thinks it’s to mark the birth of Jesus.

Just 47 per cent know the celebrations are to mark the resurrection of Christ.

But some were also stumped by the tradition of eating eggs over Easter, with 62 per cent not knowing that it is because they are a symbol of new life.

Instead, more than a quarter believe it’s to mark the anniversary of the invention of chocolate.

A spokesman for British Lion eggs, which carried out the research, said: ‘’Almost every youngster looks forward to Easter, yet it seems few actually know why they are celebrating it.

‘’It’s shocking to think that many think Easter is marking the Easter Bunny’s birthday, and eating eggs is just about chocolate.

‘’Eggs have long been associated with Easter as they are a springtime symbol of new life.

‘’Easter Sunday also marks the end of Lent – historically hens kept producing eggs, even though people stopped eating them during Lent, so there was a surplus for everyone to enjoy on Easter Sunday.

‘’However, for children, it seems Easter is really about chocolate eggs rather than the meaning behind them.

‘’Yet, real eggs are one of the most nutritious foods money can buy, containing a range of nutrients including protein, vitamins and minerals, so perhaps kids should be feasting on the real thing this Easter.’’

The study of 1,000 6-10-year-olds also revealed that just 37 per cent knew that Jesus died on Good Friday, with 30 per cent believing this was actually the day the Easter Bunny was born.

And only three quarters were aware that Jesus wore a crown made out of thorns on his head while he was on the cross.

Instead, almost 13 per cent thought he wore the crown jewels, and three per cent thought it was a hat or helmet.

The meaning of Lent also left many children scratching their heads with just 40 per cent of kids saying it was to mark Jesus’ time in the wilderness.

Almost 32 per cent thought it was to get ready for spring.

Fifteen per cent were also unaware that it was traditional to give something up over Lent, with more than one in 20 believing that eating lots of food and attending parties was the usual way of marking the period.

Researchers also found that getting time off school is the best thing about Easter for 45 per cent of children, while another 25 per cent simply look forward to eating lots of chocolate.

Nine out of ten children get given an average of five Easter eggs from their friends and relatives, with more than two thirds having an Easter egg hunt each year.

More than half also mark the Easter period by decorating eggs.
ENDS