Strange and Surprising Easter Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

LOUISIANA (KMDL-FM) - Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays in America, filled with egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and family traditions. But when you really dig into the history and customs behind Easter, things can get… a little weird.

From unusual superstitions to surprising historical facts, here are some of the most bizarre Easter facts that might just change the way you look at the holiday.

Eggs Were Once Used As Birth Certificates

Believe it or not, Easter eggs weren’t always just for decorating or hiding in the yard.

In the 1800s, some families used decorated eggs as a form of identification. Names and birth-dates were written on them and, in certain cases, they were even accepted as official records in place of birth certificates.

READ MORE: 7 Sticky Truths About Peeps the Easter Candy You Love to Hate

There’s A Rainy Easter Superstition

Old folklore says that if it rains on Easter Sunday, you can expect rain for the next seven Sundays.

Is it true? Probably not, but it’s one of those traditions that people still talk about every year when Easter rolls around and this year, it looks like our Easter forecast will put this to the test.

Double Yolks = Double Luck?

Finding a double-yolked egg is already rare, but around Easter, it’s considered extra special.

Some traditions say it’s a sign of good luck or prosperity. So if you crack open an egg and see two yolks, you might want to go buy a lottery ticket.

READ MORE: Louisiana Parents React to Woman Who Dyes Easter Eggs in Toilet Bowl

Jellybeans Have a Surprising Origin Story

Jellybeans didn’t start as just a sweet Easter treat.

They were first popularized in the United States during the Civil War when candy maker William Schrafft encouraged people to send them to soldiers overseas. Today, they’re one of the most recognizable Easter candies.

Americans Spend BILLIONS On Easter Candy

Easter isn’t just about tradition, it’s big business.

Americans spend nearly $2 billion on Easter candy every year, making it the second-largest candy holiday behind Halloween.

Most People Eat Chocolate Bunnies The Same Way

If you’ve ever wondered how people eat chocolate bunnies, there’s actually a clear winner.

About 76% of Americans start with the ears first.

Yes…the ears don’t stand a chance.

The Easter Bunny Comes From Germany

The idea of a bunny delivering eggs and treats didn’t originate in the U.S.

It traces back to German folklore, where an egg-laying hare known as the “Osterhase” would visit children. German immigrants brought the tradition to America, and it stuck.

Good Friday Isn’t A Holiday Everywhere

While Easter Sunday is widely recognized, Good Friday isn’t observed the same way across the country.

Only a handful of U.S. states officially recognize it as a holiday, and yes, Louisiana is one of them.

Easter’s Date Is Actually Based On The Moon

Unlike Christmas, Easter doesn’t fall on the same date every year.

It’s determined by the lunar calendar, specifically, the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox. That’s why it can land anywhere between late March and late April.