Wednesday, March 20, 2013

It's Easter time - let's cheer for the chocolate!

By Sydney Bucket


Yes, that's right, it's officially Spring and Easter is on it's way. No sooner have we managed to rid our front rooms of those last few lingering pine-needles, then chocolate mania begins to take over As a self-confessed chocoholic, I need no excuse to delve on in at this time of year: Cadburys, Nestle, Lindt, Galaxy - you name it - I'll be sure to have tasted each variety at least once in the last five years! But how did this fascination with chocolate Easter Eggs begin?

Interestingly, a chocolate egg at Easter is not as contemporary as you all may think. Oh no, in actual fact, they first appeared on the scenes in the early 1800's, eventually becoming an item of mass production towards the beginning of the 1900's. And there's no guessing as to who began the revolution is there? Of course not, how could it be anyone else but Cadburys?

You might still be wondering, why an egg? Well that's easy, as the egg shape itself has always been a symbol of new life and fertility throughout the ages and across the continents. It is particularly symbolic at this time of year as it represents new life, as well as the turning of Winter into Spring.

The actual act of giving an egg of some sort at Easter dates back to the Middle Ages. At this time, the egg most probably would have been a duck egg or goose egg, beautifully decorated and in some instances, personalised. It was in this era also that the infamous Easter Egg hunts began. Children loved this game and still do. Back then, however, parents would put on these hunts for their children as a way of lightening the somber mood of Lent.

So, with Cadburys promoting the mass-production of the chocolate Easter Egg, it wasn't long before other companies joined the band wagon. By the 1960's, the hollow and molded Easter Egg became the most popular Easter gift worldwide: it still is until this very day.

If you're looking for a special Easter treat this year then why not head on down to the luxurious private member's club, Home House in London. Not only will there be a truly scrumptious three-course meal for the adults, but a thoroughly entertaining Easter Egg hunt for the children is set to get under way on the day as well. Don't forget to call to book your table in advance.




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