The story of Easter in our collections

History of Easter eggs

Eating eggs at Easter is thought to date back to medieval Europe. During this period, strict fasting rules meant that animal products, including eggs, weren't allowed during Lent. Eggs were therefore hard boiled for preservation, then gifted and eaten once Lent was over.

Though giving and eating eggs at Easter continued to be commonplace, the eggs themselves became more elaborate, often painted or dyed red.

Rare and luxury eggs

Painted eggs can be found in England as early as 1290, when Edward I purchased 450 eggs at Easter to be dyed or covered in gold leaf. In the 16th century, Henry VIII received an egg in a silver case from the Vatican in Italy.

In the late 19th century, the House of Fabergé made intricately jewelled eggs for the Russian court. At the same time, real birds' eggs, such as ostrich or emu eggs, were regarded as rare and exotic, and were mounted in gilt silver. Historically, ostrich eggs have even been used as reliquaries – a container of holy relics. Margaret Greville’s Fabergé egg (c. 1914) at Polesden Lacey, Surrey, is decorated with a clasp of diamond icicles, suggesting the idea of winter receding to make way for spring.

Victorian chocolate eggs

Chocolate eggs appeared in the Victorian era, with Cadbury being one of the first to create them in 1875 (after JS Fry of Bristol). At this time, hiding eggs became a popular pastime with children, and by the 19th and 20th centuries, decorating eggs had become a family tradition.

Decorated eggs made from papier-mâché or satin-covered cardboard also became collectible items in the Victorian era. These were displayed within the home or gifted to children as Easter presents.

Easter traditions in Britain

Many British, European and North American Easter egg traditions continue today, with the Easter bunny or hare delivering chocolate eggs to children, and chocolate egg hunts remaining popular.

But there are some more unusual Easter customs in Britain. Egg jarping is a game similar to conkers, where two players tap the pointed ends of their eggs together until one breaks. In hop egg, or egg dancing, eggs are laid on the ground for players to dance around, attempting to damage as few as possible.

Pace Egg plays are another British Easter tradition, in which mummers (performers in masks or with disguised faces) perform plays, with themes like St George slaying the Dragon.

Easter bonnets

One of the more flamboyant and colourful customs at Easter is wearing Easter bonnets, which many people make and decorate. This comes from a time when people would wear their Sunday best to church at Easter. These bonnets are another joyful expression of new beginnings after the gloom of winter and Lent.