Spring is the season of new beginnings. The time of year when we are all waking up from our long winter naps; the sun shines a little warmer, daffodils, tulips, and crocuses poke through the dirt to grace our gardens, and cherry blossoms abound. Easter is a celebration of new beginnings, and as such, the cherished recipes that we make and serve every year hold meaning as well. The boiled eggs, roast ham, Easter bread, and even the vegetables, all symbolize a part of this season of awakening.
Read on below for some of our favorite Easter recipes and the meaning behind each dish.
The egg, an ancient symbol of new life, has long been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection. In the medieval period, it was forbidden to eat eggs during the Lenten season and it became a tradition to elaborately decorate and then eat them as a celebration of the end of Lent.
Easter ham is as traditional as turkey on Thanksgiving for a reason; feasting. In some parts of Northern Europe ham was the meat that was most readily available at this time of year, so it became the Easter tradition. Historically, pigs were slaughtered in fall and cured over the winter and the meat was ready to eat once spring arrived and the Lenten fast ended.
But a roast ham wouldn’t be a feast on its own. Enter its trusty sides…asparagus and carrots. Asparagus is yet another symbol of new life and fertility as it is one of the first veggies to poke through the dirt in the veggie patch. Carrots enjoy more non-secular symbolism as treats for the Easter Bunny. In past years, much as they do now at Christmas for reindeer, children would leave out carrots for the ubiquitous bunny. Now they adorn our Easter tables roasted, glazed, and baked into cakes.
As with so many traditional holiday foods, Italian Easter bread is as rich in symbolism as it is in eggs. Round, wreath-shaped breads are actually meant to represent the crown of thorns worn by the crucified Christ. When the dough is braided in three pieces, however, it has a somewhat happier meaning as it is meant to remind us of the Holy Trinity.
As with so many traditional holiday foods, Italian Easter bread is as rich in symbolism as it is in eggs. Round, wreath-shaped breads are actually meant to represent the crown of thorns worn by the crucified Christ. When the dough is braided in three pieces, however, it has a somewhat happier meaning as it is meant to remind us of the Holy Trinity.