Easter has always been a special time in my family, filled with traditions that make the holiday feel extra magical. As a little girl, I would wake up on Easter morning to a brand-new outfit for church—always complete with white church shoes and a matching hat. Dylan and I would hardly be able to sleep knowing we would have Easter Baskets waiting for us in the morning. Looking back, I can’t help but think that my mom would have loved shopping for our baskets at The View Cafe & Gifts if she had had the chance!
Another cherished tradition in our family is the Easter Lamb cake, baked by my grandpa using a cast iron mold that he has had since immigrating to Chicago. Over the years, this mold has become a treasured family heirloom, passed down to both my mom and uncle, who now each have one of their own. Every Easter, they continue the tradition, baking the same sweet lamb cake that has been a part of our celebrations for generations. One day, I can’t wait for this tradition to be passed down to me.
Beyond our own traditions, my mom has created some truly memorable Easters for my younger cousins Josef-Henri and Grayson. She has set up exciting Easter egg hunts, making the holiday magical for them, and even used Mudpie’s Easter Bunny Magic Kit to add an extra touch of fun. She has also shared this joy with my cousin Alex and Kirsten’s kids, and now my cousin Kirsten’s son, Clay, asks about Easter all year long! She has always been incredibly creative, but now, thanks to The View, she has even more tricks up her sleeve to make the holiday special.
While our traditions are near and dear to my heart, Easter is celebrated in many ways across the world!
The History of the Easter Bunny
The tradition of the Easter Bunny can be traced back to Germany in the 1600s. The Osterhase, or "Easter Hare," was a folklore figure that would judge whether children had been good or bad before Easter. Much like Santa Claus, the Osterhase would bring eggs, candy, and small gifts to well-behaved children, hiding them in nests they prepared. German immigrants brought this tradition to America in the 1700s, particularly in Pennsylvania, where it evolved into the modern Easter Bunny we know today. Over time, the tradition expanded to include chocolate bunnies, decorated eggs, and the classic Easter egg hunt.
Germany: The Easter Egg Tree (Ostereierbaum)
In Germany, decorating trees with colorful Easter eggs is a beloved tradition. Families hang beautifully painted eggs on branches, creating a festive and vibrant display. Some towns take this to the next level, covering entire trees with thousands of eggs! This tradition brings a little extra joy to Easter celebrations and is a fun way to welcome spring.
France: Chocolate Bells (Les Cloches Volantes)
Instead of an Easter Bunny, French children eagerly await flying church bells to bring their treats. According to tradition, church bells stop ringing from Good Friday to Easter Sunday to honor Christ’s death and resurrection. When they “return” on Easter morning, they bring chocolates and sweets with them! Many French towns also host chocolate egg hunts, making Easter extra sweet.
Poland: Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday)
Easter Monday in Poland is celebrated with Śmigus-Dyngus, also known as Wet Monday! On this day, people playfully splash water on each other, a tradition believed to bring good luck and symbolize cleansing and renewal. While it started as a fun custom for young boys to sprinkle water on girls they admired, today, it’s a full-blown water fight for everyone!
Spain: Semana Santa Processions
Spain is known for its elaborate Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions. Cities like Seville and Málaga come alive with grand parades, where participants carry religious statues through the streets, dressed in traditional robes and hoods. The processions are a moving and powerful way to reflect on the meaning of Easter.
No matter how you celebrate, Easter is a time for joy, renewal, and thoughtful traditions. If you’re looking for ways to make your Easter morning extra special, filling baskets with delightful surprises is a wonderful way to spread happiness. Whether you're shopping for kids or adults, The View Cafe & Gifts has a beautiful selection of Easter goodies to help you create the perfect basket.
For Kids:
- Maileg Easter Egg with Chicken – A charming keepsake egg with a soft little plush inside.
- Jellycat Plush Bunnies – Cuddly and perfect for Easter morning snuggles.
- Easter Ring and Lip Gloss Set – A fun, sparkly treat for little ones to enjoy.
- Lolli & Pops Easter Candy – Sweet and colorful treats to delight any child.
For Adults:
- Spring-Scented Candles – Fresh fragrances to bring the scent of spring into any home.
- Mudpies Seasonal Towels and Decor – Festive pieces to brighten up your home for Easter.
- Bunny Table Decor – Adorable Easter-themed decorations for your holiday table.
- Velvet Eggs – Elegant decorative eggs to add a touch of charm to your Easter celebration.
Check out the full Easter Shop here for more ideas!
No matter how you celebrate, Easter is a time for faith, family, and the joy of tradition. Whether you're decorating eggs, indulging in chocolate, or baking a special treat, I hope your holiday is filled with love and laughter.
How does your family celebrate Easter? Do you have any unique traditions? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Easter!
—Sammi
