Easter is celebrated as the start of spring. It is a religious holiday. The custom of giving eggs at Easter celebrates new beginning, new life. For Christians the egg is a symbol of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
Long ago people gave gifts of eggs carved from wood or precious stones. Later people began to use the eggs which were hard-boiled and dyed in various colours and patterns. The traditionally bright colours represented spring and light.
Exchanging and eating Easter eggs is a popular custom in many countries. Nowadays people generally give each other Easter eggs made of chocolate, usually hollow and filled with sweets.
The UK’s first chocolate egg was produced in 1873 by Fry’s of Bristol.
The tallest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy in 2011. It measured 10.39 m in height and weighed 7.200 kg. That egg was taller than a giraffe and heavier than an elephant.
In some countries parents tell their children that the Easter Hare or Bunny has hidden chocolate eggs and they race to find them round the house or garden. Children believe that if they are good, the ‘Easter Bunny’ will leave Chocolate eggs for them.
Children in other countries decorate hard-boiled eggs at Easter time by painting or dying them.
Egg rolling is also a popular Easter game in some parts of the world.

Answer the following questions to the text.

1 Why do people celebrate Easter? __________________________________________________________
2 What is a popular Easter custom in many countries? _______________________________
3 When was the first chocolate egg produced in the UK? ________________________________
4 What egg was taller than a giraffe? ________________________________________________________
5 What does Easter Bunny do with Easter eggs? ___________________________________________

Underline Easter Symbols and make up your own story about Easter time with these words.
the Cross rabbits candles Holly Cupid springtime baskets pumpkin
nests carols rose eggs cats masks simnel cake heart arrow