During the nineteenth century, women who attended Easter services at St. Patrick’s Cathedral strolled up Fifth Avenue showing off their new Easter bonnets. This is how we ended up with the Easter Parade.

Like today, Easter in the nineteenth century was a significant religious and cultural celebration. Here are some interesting facts about how Easter was observed and celebrated during that time:

1. Religious Significance

  • Church Services: Easter was primarily a religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Attending church services was a central part of the celebration, with many churches holding special services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
  • Lenten Observance: Lent, the period leading up to Easter, is observed with fasting, penance, and prayer. Many people refrain from eating certain foods, such as meat, during this time.

2. Easter Traditions

  • Easter Eggs: The tradition of decorating and exchanging Easter eggs was popular. Eggs symbolized new life and resurrection. In some regions, people used natural dyes from plants and vegetables to color their eggs.
  • Egg Hunts: Easter egg hunts began to gain popularity, particularly in Europe and North America. Children would search for hidden eggs, often filled with treats or small toys.

3. Easter Bunnies

  • Easter Bunny: The Easter Bunny, a symbol of fertility and new life, became more widely recognized in the nineteenth century. The tradition likely originated in Germany and spread to other countries, particularly the United States, where the bunny delivered eggs and gifts to children.

4. Festive Foods

  • Easter Feasts: After the fasting period of Lent, families would prepare lavish meals to celebrate Easter. Traditional foods varied by region but often included lamb, ham, hot cross buns, and sweets and pastries.
  • Simnel Cake: In England, Simnel cake, a rich fruit cake with a layer of marzipan, was a popular Easter treat.

5. Public Celebrations

  • Parades and Festivals: Public celebrations, including parades and festivals, were common in many communities. These events often featured music, dancing, and various forms of entertainment.
  • Easter Bonnets: Wearing new clothes, including elaborately decorated Easter bonnets, was a fashionable tradition. This practice symbolized renewal and new beginnings.

6. Cultural Variations

  • Regional Differences: Easter customs varied widely across different countries and regions. For example, in Russia, Easter was marked with the exchange of decorated eggs and the greeting "Christ is risen," to which the response was "He is risen indeed."
  • Orthodox Easter: In Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions, Easter was celebrated according to the Julian calendar, often on a different date from Western Christian Easter. Orthodox Easter celebrations included midnight services, processions, and breaking the fast with special foods.

7. Literature and Art

  • Easter in Literature: Easter themes appeared in various literary works of the nineteenth century, reflecting the holiday's religious and cultural significance. Authors and poets wrote about the resurrection, springtime renewal, and the joyous aspects of the celebration.
  • Art and Easter Cards: Easter cards rose in popularity during the nineteenth century, especially towards the end of the century. These cards often featured religious imagery, flowers, and symbols of new life.

8. Social and Economic Impact

  • Commercialization: While Easter was primarily a religious holiday, the commercialization of Easter began to take root in the nineteenth century, especially in urban areas. Stores sold Easter-themed products, including candies, toys, and decorations.
  • Community and Charity: Easter was also a time for charitable acts and gatherings. People often gave to the poor and participated in community events that fostered a sense of togetherness.

Easter in the nineteenth century blended deeply rooted religious practices and emerging cultural traditions, many of which continue to be part of Easter celebrations today.