How Easter Became About Bunnies, Pastels, and Candy Instead of Jesus
Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But walk into any store during spring and you’re more likely to be greeted by chocolate bunnies, plastic eggs, and pastel everything than reminders of its religious roots. So how did a deeply spiritual day become a pastel explosion?
We’d like to take you on a journey back in time. Many Easter traditions pre-date Christianity, rooted in pagan spring festivals that honored fertility and renewal—hence the eggs and bunnies, both ancient fertility symbols. As Christianity spread, these symbols blended with religious observances to make conversion easier and celebrations more accessible.
Now let’s fast forward to the 20th century, when corporate America did what corporate America does best; Marketers jumped on that idea and grew it to Jack and the Beanstalk proportions. In the 1950s and beyond, advertisers began pushing Easter as a family-centered, consumer-friendly holiday. Greeting cards, candies, toys, and even fashion (hello, Easter bonnets and dresses) became central to the celebration.
Today, the commercialization of Easter is big business. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend billions each year on Easter candy, decorations, clothing, and gifts. Chocolate companies like Hershey’s and Mars rake in huge profits, with Easter ranking just behind Halloween in candy sales. Retail giants like Walmart and Target also benefit from seasonal sales of everything from egg dyeing kits to themed home décor.
Don’t get us wrong, our family loves a good Reese’s Egg. But in the hustle and bustle of chocolate-land, don’t forget to save some time for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for what Jesus did for us.
You know, maybe there should be two holidays: Easter (to celebrate Jesus), and another to celebrate Spring, like–
Pastelpalooza.
Eh, we’ll workshop it and get back to you.
Happy Easter.
– The UFM Family