Easter has origins grounded in Christianity and it is at this time of year that some people mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is a moveable feast as the date on which it occurs varies from year to year, falling anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th.

Easter brings with it all sorts of celebrations, from Easter egg treasure hunts and other games to the baking of hot cross buns.

Easter eggs can be traced back to Pagan times and the Pagan rites of spring. The egg was a symbol of fertility and rebirth and over time became associated with the re-birth of Christ after the crucifixion.

The custom of hand painting eggs at Easter time can be dated back to well before the 17th century when it was popular throughout the United Kingdom and Europe to paint hen, duck or goose eggs and use them as gifts and ornaments. This activity is still carried out in many parts of the world today and is a fun activity to carry out with children and family. In Britain, the painted eggs are often rolled down a hill with the aim of the game to see whose egg travels the furthest without breaking.

It became increasingly popular for artificial and ornamental eggs to be created from various materials and decorated in different ways. These eggs were typically given as gifts and presents, similar to the chocolate eggs that are popular to give as an Easter gift today.

Easter eggs continued to prove popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, changing over time. Hollow eggs made from paper and cardboard were typically filled with gifts and given as presents.

In 1885, production of the world famous Faberge eggs began, a process which continued until 1917. The eggs were made by French jeweller Carl Faberge and gifted to the Czar of Russia. The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones and were encrusted with gem stones.

It was also during the 1800's that the first chocolate Easter eggs were produced in Germany and France and their popularity quickly spread throughout the rest of Europe.

Chocolate Easter eggs remain popular today and are a staple part of Easter celebrations across the globe. Easter Egg Hunts are popular with children of all ages and chocolate eggs are popular to give as gifts at Easter time.

Hot Cross Buns are another treat synonymous with Easter time and are believed to be have been a traditional breakfast item on Good Friday. The origins of these sweet treats can also be traced back to Pagan times where their cross shaped design was alleged to represent the four quarters of the moon.

In the 16th century, Roman Catholicism was banned in England and Queen Elizabeth I passed a law banning the consumption of Hot Cross Buns at all times apart from festivals such as Easter and Christmas, in an attempt to avoid offending non-Christians.