Now that you know why food lovers indulge in donuts, bugnes, crêpes, and waffles for Mardi Gras, you might be wondering why the same sweet-tooths devour, during Easter celebrations, entire kilos of chocolate. Perhaps you’re even one of them!
You already know this, but Easter celebrations have their roots in Christian tradition, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But at the same time, what’s the connection between him and the eggs, rabbits, bells and other chocolate treats we enjoy during the Easter holidays?
As a reminder, Easter marks the end of Lent for Christians, a time of intense fasting during which many foods are avoided, including eggs. To celebrate the end of Lent, it was traditionally customary for Christians to exchange eggs laid during the fasting period. Similarly, since ancient times, Persians would give not chocolate eggs, but genuine chicken eggs, seen as symbols of renewal and the end of winter.
It wouldn't be until the mid-19th century that German and Alsatian merchants along with chocolatiers would decide to replace the tradition of hen eggs with chocolate eggs. This shift was made possible by the advent of the first pastry and chocolate molds and the beginning of work with
In fact, you might not be aware of it, but the origins of the famous chocolate Easter fish can actually be traced back to the Bible, specifically to the story of the "miraculous catch" of fish.
Indeed, just as the disciples of Christ fail to catch anything in their nets, Jesus reveals to them where to fish successfully. When they finally haul in their catch, they recognize the proof of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Chocolate frittatas, now a Easter tradition, serve as a delicious reminder of this biblical episode.
Alright, here’s the final tidbit: do you know why parents in certain parts of France tell their children that it’s the bells that bring the Easter chocolates? Let us explain! Back in the Middle Ages, it was forbidden for church bells to ring during the entire Easter period.
So, to explain their silence, the parents told their little ones that the Easter bells had gone to Rome to receive the Pope's blessing. On their journey back, the bells would drop eggs in children's gardens for them to find!
Easter 2026 in Paris: The ultimate guide to chocolates, brunches, tea times, pop-ups, and workshops
Chocolates, eggs, cakes, brioche—plus brunches, tea times, delightful pop-up treats, and workshops... You're in the perfect spot to indulge in all the Easter delights in Paris for 2026. [Read more]
Easter 2026 in Paris: The ultimate guide to chocolates, brunches, tea times, pop-ups, and workshops
