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Antique traditions and Easter collectables
Posted by Chris on 22/03/2024
We delve into the history of Easter: why bunnies and eggs are so intertwined, when chocolate got involved, and some great ideas of gifts to give this Easter.
Written by Iain Brunt, Founder of Antiques.co.uk.
“Collecting antique eggs has always fascinated me. They are so fragile and yet some of the antique hand-painted Ostrich eggs still remain intact and very inexpensive.
This should be one of the most delicate of all antiques to collect. I admire anyone with the delicacy and patience to collect these:
Pictured: Ornate Ostrich Egg, £40 / $51
What’s so special about the Easter egg?
It was forbidden to eat eggs during Lent so children passed from house to house in Easter collecting eggs to eat. As Eggs represent new life and rebirth it was thought that this ancient tradition was the beginning of the Easter egg and Easter celebrations.
Since then we brought many other items into the Easter period including the favourite, chocolates. Rabbits were in abundance as they came out of hibernation around Easter and produced offspring.
Pictured: a postcard from the Victorian era - bunnies and eggs have been connected with Easter for many years. (Image: Histories of the Unexpected)
Why the Easter Bunny tradition in the UK?
The first edible Easter bunnies appeared in Germany during the early 1800s, made of pastry and sugar. In the UK, children believe that if they are good the "Easter Bunny" will leave chocolate eggs for them.
(Sadly, hare hunting used to be a common pastime at Easter).
Pictured: Royal Copenhagen Figurine Rabbit No 378, £735 / $930
But why does the Easter bunny bring eggs? According to Discovery News, since ancient times, eggs and rabbits have been a symbol of fertility, while spring has been a symbol of rebirth. So even though rabbits don't lay eggs (which of course you knew!), the association of these symbols became natural.
> Explore our 'bunny' themed antiques
Egg-themed antiques
Pictured: Silver Egg, Eric Collin - Faberge Firm, £6,428 / $8,155
You may also like:
This cute Bing & Grondahl ceramic egg cup, with daffodil decoration
> Explore our 'egg' themed antiques
> Explore our 'chocolate' Easter antiques
Easter antique gift ideas
If the thought of simply giving your loved ones a chocolate Easter egg doesn’t fill you with joy – how about these Easter gift ideas for antique fans?
Antique ceramics
Ceramics make a charming Easter gift: see our selection of figurines (including those by Royal Doulton and Coalport), and Clarice Cliff’s ‘Crocus’ Art Deco range. It's also worth browsing for antique egg cups, and Moorcroft vases and plates with their beautiful flowers.
Pictured: Butterfly figurine, £77 / $97
Antique silver
Silver is always a fantastic antique gift idea – at any time of year! But especially around Easter, you can combine the theme of eggs with silver - like this stunning silver plated egg cruet set.
Pictured: Edwardian Silver Plated Egg Cruet, £245 / $310
Antique jewellery
This is a great time to give brooches, especially those with birds, butterflies and flowers. Georg Jensen tends to produce a great variety of these.
Pictured: Antique Platinum Aquamarine & Diamond Brooch, £3,950 / $5,010
Start collecting Antique eggs and rabbits today.
From Iain and the team at Antiques.co.uk, we wish you all a very happy Easter holiday, wherever you are in the world.