A brief history on one of the choclatiest holidays

Spring is in full swing, daffodils are dancing in the breeze, and there’s a suspicious number of chocolate eggs lurking around campus – that can only mean one thing… it’s Easter!

Whether you mark Easter with a quiet church service, a family roast dinner, or a mad dash around the kitchen trying to scoop up chocolate eggs before your flatmates do, it’s a holiday that brings together tradition, fun, and a generous helping of sugar. While many know Easter for its religious significance, it’s also become a celebration that blends history, culture, and a touch of marketing magic. From ancient symbols of fertility to supermarket shelves stacked with chocolate bunnies, Easter has evolved into something that’s both meaningful and marvellously indulgent.

A Time of Reflection and Renewal

At its core, Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It follows the solemn period of Lent – forty days of fasting, prayer, and preparation – and culminates in a weekend of celebration, beginning with Good Friday and ending with Easter Sunday. The themes of rebirth, hope, and new beginnings are woven through the story of Easter, which is why it so neatly aligns with the arrival of spring. Flowers bloom, birds return, and there's a sense of the world waking up again after the long winter months.

But of course, Easter hasn’t stayed purely religious. Over time, as it spread across different cultures and regions, new customs and symbols were introduced – some rooted in ancient pagan traditions, others shaped by clever confectionery companies. Which brings us to one of Easter’s most puzzling figures: the rabbit.

So... What’s with the Bunny?

Let’s be honest – on the surface, a rabbit delivering eggs doesn’t make a lot of sense. Rabbits don’t lay eggs, and they’re not mentioned in any of the biblical accounts of Easter. So where did this fluffy symbol of springtime sneak in from?

The answer lies in pre-Christian traditions. Many early spring festivals celebrated fertility and new life, and one of the key figures in these celebrations was Eostre, a Germanic goddess of dawn and fertility. Her animal symbol was, fittingly, the hare – known for its energetic mating habits in the spring. As Christianity spread across Europe, some of these pagan customs were absorbed into religious festivals, including Easter.

Fast-forward a few centuries, and German immigrants in the 1700s brought the tradition of the Osterhase – an egg-laying hare – to Britain and America. Children would make nests for the hare to lay its colourful eggs in, and eventually, the idea caught on. Over time, the nests became baskets, the eggs became chocolate, and the hare turned into a bunny. And just like that, a fluffy legend was born.

Cracking the Easter Egg Code

If rabbits are a slightly odd Easter mascot, eggs make a bit more sense. For thousands of years, eggs have symbolised new life, fertility, and rebirth. In early Christian communities, eggs were forbidden during Lent, making them a luxury by the time Easter Sunday rolled around. Families would boil or bake them, then decorate them as gifts to share.

The tradition of painting eggs dates back to at least the 13th century, and by the Victorian era, decorative cardboard eggs filled with sweets were all the rage. Then the chocolatiers stepped in. By the 19th century, the first chocolate Easter eggs were produced in France and Germany, and it wasn’t long before the UK followed suit. Now, they’re an essential part of the holiday – whether you prefer a rich, dark chocolate egg or one stuffed with treats.

Join the Hunt

Of course, no Easter celebration is complete without a proper egg hunt – and this year, ResLife is taking it to the next level. An Easter Egg Hunt is taking place today across Bishop Gate, Godiva Place, and The Cycle Works, and you’re invited to join in the fun. Somewhere in your accommodation (or possibly right under your nose) are hidden eggs just waiting to be found.

It's the perfect excuse to take a break from your studies, stretch your legs, and relive a bit of childhood joy. Plus, who doesn’t like a bit of friendly competition and a chance to load up on chocolate?

Whether you’re reflecting on the deeper meaning of Easter, celebrating with friends, or just in it for the sweets, we hope you have a joyful, light-hearted day. May your baskets be full, your chocolate be plentiful, and your hunting skills sharp.

Happy Easter from all of us at ResLife!