Easter Candy Craze Began In Europe By Christopher Pratt At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

As Easter approaches we could begin to think about the solemnity of the holiday and what it means in relationship to our faith. We could think about the gatherings of family members to enjoy a feast of delectable foods and lots of laughs and games. We could think about the approaching of spring and that new life is just waiting to bud up from beneath the ground. Or, like the holiday-celebrating Americans we are, we could start thinking CANDY. That's right, in the year 2000, Americans spent 1.9 billion on Easter candy, and by now, seven years later, that amount has soared.

Easter comes in right behind Halloween for candy purchasing. We consume around 8 billion pounds of candy a year in our country, and Easter time generates a significant amount candy purchasing.

Every year the markets swell with beautiful pastel and chocolate candies displayed to tempt the heartiest of saints. Store shelves are filled with colorful Jelly Beans, chocolate bunnies, chicks, and eggs, as well as those adorable little Marshmallow Peeps. By the way, reports say that in "1957 it took 27 hours to make a Peep and today it only takes 6 minutes." M&M's now come in lovely spring pastels rather than the usual reds, greens, and browns to help us celebrate Easter.

It seems the custom of celebrating Easter with sweets may have started with Hot cross buns which were eaten for breakfast on Good Friday in England. Baked pretzels were also eaten as an Easter treat. However, it was the availability of chocolate in Europe during the 1800's that sparked the candy craze we enjoy today. The eating of lovely chocolate eggs became the popular way to celebrate Easter and, not to mention, make a buck!

The true history of Easter is apparent to those who recognize and celebrate this holiday, but now you know the origin of Easter candy. Yes, there should always be the large family gatherings, the yummy afternoon dinner, and religious recognition. But now we understand that when jelly beans and chocolate eggs start to line the shelves at the grocery it is time for a day of fun, laughter, and best of all a sugar induced celebration of one of the greatest holidays of the year.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=128448&ca=Food+and+Drinks

Important Notice DISCLAIMER: All information, content, and data in this article are sole opinions and/or findings of the individual user or organization that registered and submitted this article at Isnare.com without any fee. The article is strictly for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any way, implemented or applied without consultation from a professional. We at Isnare.com do not, in anyway, contribute or include our own findings, facts and opinions in any articles presented in this site. Publishing this article does not constitute Isnare.com's support or sponsorship for this article. Isnare.com is an article publishing service. Please read our Terms of Service for more information.