Easter is a time when families get together and celebrate, enjoying the egg hunt and eating delicious chocolates. But have you ever wondered where Easter traditions come from? Why do we use a rabbit or bells to bring the chocolate? Find out about these mysteries which will also show you how important this kind of celebration is for hoteliers.

Let's discover together the wonderful and magical Easter traditions! From the Easter Egg Hunt to Easter Bell, and Rabbit, you will be amazed by the stories hidden behind the traditions.

Easter Egg

The egg has always been a universal symbol of life and rebirth.

For Easter, in many countries, the tradition is to offer decorated and colored eggs, but this tradition is much older than we think. It even predates Christianity, which makes it one of the oldest traditions in the world! 

As early as the fourth century, the use of eggs was forbidden by the Church during the forty-day penance because they symbolized the blossoming of new life and fertility, contrary to the death of Christ. Therefore, a large number of eggs accumulated in the household supplies, and the quickest way to get rid of them was to give them to the children.

In the 12th century, in many European countries, common people used to exchange blessed eggs in church. The nobles of the time decided to have them painted and decorated by painters, goldsmiths, and engravers turning them into delicate precious jewels. 

Finally in France, in the 18th century, people decided to empty a fresh egg and fill it with chocolate to mark the end of fasting and Lent. This tradition is still very present in some countries. 

The first all-chocolate eggs appeared in the 19th century, thanks to the progress of techniques allowing the cocoa paste and the molds to propose more and more varied forms.

Easter Bell

The tradition of ringing Easter bells began around the seventh century in Europe. The Church forbade the ringing of bells as a sign of mourning between Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday to commemorate the time that elapsed between the death of Christ and the resurrection.

The legend, in some Catholic countries and particularly in France, states that on the evening of Maundy Thursday, the bells go to Rome to be blessed by the Pope. On Easter morning, the bells return to ring and announce the joy of Christ's resurrection. In Rome, the bells are loaded with Easter eggs, which are scattered in the gardens on their return. The children then hunt for them. For the journey, the bells are equipped with a pair of wings, and ribbons or are carried on a chariot to bring a magical dimension to the tradition.

In Italy, Holy Thursday is a day of mourning, so the church bells are tied up to prevent them from ringing as their sound is a sign of celebration. On Easter Day, the bells are untied and can ring again.

Easter Hare/Rabbit

For some people, especially in eastern France or Germany, it is the Easter hare that brings the eggs to the children and not the bells. This tradition of the Easter bunny comes from a German legend (the Osterhase) in which a poor woman, unable to offer sweets to her children, decorated eggs that she hid in the garden. The children, seeing a rabbit, thought that it had laid the eggs. This tradition spread very quickly, especially in the United States and in Anglo-Saxon countries, where it is a white rabbit, resembling the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, which brings the eggs (the Easter Bunny). This animal was chosen simply because it symbolizes spring, renewal, and fertility. We also find cuckoos or storks that bring chocolate to some countries.

Easter in the Hospitality industry

Easter, much like Christmas and Halloween, is celebrated around the world. In the United States, the holiday is celebrated by 80% of Americans. Holidays like Easter are the perfect opportunity for hoteliers to organize special events, offer holiday packages, decorate their establishments, and promote their brand on social networks. Indeed, for many, the Easter weekend is an opportunity to spend time with family. Therefore hotels and restaurants often organize events and activities related to Easter for all ages, including egg hunts for children, and chocolate Easter brunch in a floral and warm atmosphere. As the holiday approaches, it's common for hoteliers to share Easter-themed content that shows how excited the establishment is. This helps attract overnight guests and build strong loyalty bonds.

We hope this inspires you and gives you ideas for a well-decorated and chocolaty Easter this year! Also, if you want to participate in the organization of an incredible Easter in luxurious establishments, we offer you exceptional opportunities in unique hotels and restaurants all over the world! To know more about how Placement International can help you find a job in a luxury hotel or Michelin-starred restaurant simply create a profile on our website (www.placement-int.com) or send us your CV at  info@placement-int.com. And always remember our mission, your success!