• Simnel cake
• Lamb
• Fish + poultry

For many of us, Easter signifies the end of gloomy and cold winter months and the beginning of much warmer weather. For the religious it is a time of contemplating the crucifixion, death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is also a time for chocolate eggs and Hot Cross Buns, which have their roots buried firmly in the annals of Easter history.

To understand the origins of Easter food it’s important to remember that, historically and theologically, it is preceded by the Christian observation of 40 days of Lent (Lent comes from the old English word lenten meaning ‘spring’). This season begins on Ash Wednesday, which is the day after Shrove Tuesday, and ends on Easter Sunday. People would fast over Lent in recognition of Christ’s hardship during his self-imposed exile in the wilderness where he contemplated his life.

Abstinence from certain foods such as meat and eggs was the norm whilst limited portions of fish and bread would be permitted on certain occasions. The significance of Easter can be measured by the end of fasting and the consumption of fresh food, which is more abundant in the spring. Furthermore, because people were denied nutrients throughout the Lenten Fast, feasting on new and fresh foods would reenergise the body thus drawing comparisons with the beginning of new life and Christ’s resurrection.