EASTER tends to mean one thing to people up and down the country, chocolate.
The gift giving of chocolate eggs has become a tradition in the UK as much as any other holiday.
Why do we eat chocolate at Easter?
For most of us, eating chocolate at Easter is a normal occurrence.
Yet behind this tradition lies an extensive history.
The tradition of eating chocolate at Easter is tied to Lent.
During the six weeks before Easter, known as Lent, Christians abstained from consuming animal products.
This included all dairy and eggs.
The modern tradition of eating chocolate eggs at Easter is a fun twist on the religious ritual, and makes it more accessible to children and those of a non-religious disposition.
What does the egg represent?
Eggs represent a symbol of life - similar to the Easter bunny which represents reproductive prowess.
The eggs were adopted by early Christians as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ resurrection is symbolised through the hard shell of the egg, which represents the tomb in which he was buried.
And the emerging of the chick which breaks through the shell represents Jesus, who conquered death.
The tradition of eating eggs also has a practical function.
Christians abstained from eating animal products during Lent.
Yet the chickens continued to lay eggs.
Therefore, people would hard boil the eggs, decorate them and keep them for Easter.
How and where can I get my chocolate eggs?
Most shops all over the UK stock extensive supplies of the seasonal treat.
Supermarkets in particular dedicate huge areas of their stores to the sales of chocolate eggs.
Finding eggs should never be a problem, a bigger hurdle is more likely to be the soaring costs of the treats.
