Easter has always been a time for family, faith, and fun — but as the years pass by, some of the most classic traditions seem to be fading away, whether due to increasingly busy schedules, more casual modern celebrations, or even the rise of technology.
Still, there's something special about the old-school customs that truly capture the essence of the holiday. From getting dressed in your Sunday best to baking hot cross buns, here are the Easter traditions we wish would make a comeback.
Scroll to see which old-schoolEaster traditions we totally miss!
1. Wearing Easter Bonnets
Etsy
For decades, Easter Sunday wasn't just a day to celebrate family and faith but also an opportunity to dress up in your finest attire, complete with a bonnet or hat.
Dating back centuries, people topped off their Easter Sunday outfits with colorful Easter bonnets (like this one) that featured flowers, ribbons, or even lace. The tradition was so iconic that in 1933, Irving Berlin sang, "You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade."
2. Gifting Easter Corsages
Tony Meyers
Gifting corsages isn't just for proms or weddings. It was also once a staple for holidays like Easter.
Men would purchase corsages for the women in their lives, like their mothers, wives, or daughters, and pin them on to add a special touch to their Easter outfits.
Bringing back this tradition would revive a meaningful gesture and add even more style to your holiday celebration.
3. Enjoying A Classic Easter Feast
cottonbro studio
Dining on a classic Easter feast brings families together. For many, the holiday marks the end of Lent, a period when Catholics typically give up certain treats. So, it makes chowing down on a big meal even more special, as you'll get to indulge in the foods you've abstained from for 40 days.
We know it can be tough to coordinate fancy feasts today, but this tradition is well worth your effort. Pay homage to classic dishes like ham or lamb chops, deviled eggs, and fresh carrots. Plus, get your family involved in the food preparation to make some meaningful memories.
4. Good Old-Fashioned Easter Egg Hunts
Eren Li
In a world where devices often take center stage, the classic Easter egg hunt offers a much-needed break from screens and encourages kids to unplug, run, and explore. The beauty of this timeless tradition lies in its simplicity and ability to bring communities together.
Yes, you can just hide eggs around your own living room or backyard to keep your kids busy. However, there's something to be said about gathering with other families in your neighborhood for a big old-fashioned hunt. Coming together presents an opportunity to connect with neighbors and pass down the practice to the next generation.
5. Sending Easter Lilies
Meri Verbina
Sending Easter lilies carries deep symbolic meaning and offers a beautiful way to celebrate the season.
These elegant white flowers represent purity, renewal, and hope. In many cultures, they're believed to have sprouted where Christ's blood and tears fell during the crucifixion and in the Garden of Gethsemane following his betrayal.
Sending someone a lily during Easter is a thoughtful gesture that signifies faith, remembrance, and the promise of new beginnings.
6. Baking Hot Cross Buns
Taryn Elliott
Hot cross buns, which are sweet, spiced, and adorned with a cross on top, have been made and enjoyed for centuries, often on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.
We understand that it might just be easier to pick them up at your local bakery. Nonetheless, baking this treat with loved ones is a tradition that will create lasting connections and memories.
7. Donning Your Sunday Best
Anastasia Shuraeva
Traditionally, if you and your family were attending church on Easter, you had to look your best. Putting on your finest clothes is more than just a fashion statement; it's a way to honor the significance of the holiday and show respect.
This trend has mellowed out in the modern day, but it deserves a resurgence. Iron your suits, polish your shoes, and don't be afraid to wear lace or floral patterns. Your outfit will set the tone for the day (and make for a great family photo).
8. Being Present For Family Time
cottonbro studio
Speaking of family, being present for quality time isn't just lost on Easter; it's a tradition that's struggling to persevere on practically every holiday.
Today, screens and schedules often take priority, making it tough to truly connect with loved ones. Easter is the perfect time to put your phone away, turn off the TV, and talk to those around you. Share a meal, play a game, or just enjoy each other's company. You'll be thankful you did when you look back years down the line.
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