Easter Foods

Appears in
Oxford Companion to Food

By Alan Davidson

Published 2014

  • About

Easter Foods are primarily those of Easter Sunday, the day on which Jesus rose from the dead, a day of special rejoicing for Christians, who rejoice too at reaching the end of the long Lenten fast. This time also marks the beginning of spring, the season of renewal, and a cause for general rejoicing. The concept of renewal/rebirth is responsible for the important role played by the egg in Easter celebrations, a role which no doubt antedates Christianity.

There are also special foods associated with other days in the Easter calendar (see lent; pancake; fritter; carling), but these are mostly connected with fast day fare rather than with feasting.