16 things you probably didn't know about Easter

Easter decorations and egg hunts always add excitement and fun to this spring holiday. Looking for additional inspiration for your Easter celebration? Although you might think you know everything about Easter, you probably haven't heard these 16 facts before.

The United Kingdom was the first country to make and distribute chocolate eggs for Easter.

The largest chocolate egg was made in Italy. It was almost 10.5 metres high, and it weighed more than an elephant.

The Easter Bunny originated in Germany and was formerly known as the Easter Hare. The tradition made its way to North America during the 18th century.

The official Easter flower is the white trumpet lily – the symbol for resurrection.

The date of Easter is based on moon phases. Every year after March 21st, there's a full moon.

• Easter begins on the Sunday immediately following that full moon.

The egg has become a major symbol of the Easter holiday because it represents life and rebirth.

A household will spend an average of approximately $130 to celebrate Easter.

When eating a chocolate bunny, three out of four people eat the ears first. The rest either start at the feet or break off pieces.

Easter is the oldest Christian holiday, and it has become one of the most important days of the year for churches across the globe.

About one in every five children will make themselves sick by gorging on chocolate and candy during their Easter celebrations.

During medieval times, churches held an egg-tossing event.

• During this event, boys would toss hard boiled eggs to each other in the yard of the church.
• When the clock struck noon, whoever was holding the egg got to keep it.

The Egyptians and Persians began the tradition of giving eggs as presents on Easter.

The first Easter eggs were small and solid, not hollow like today's chocolate eggs or bunnies.

Easter is named after the Saxon goddess, Ēostre, who was the goddess of springtime.

During the 19th century, if a family could not afford a birth certificate, they would inscribe a person's name and birth date onto a coloured egg, which would be considered an acceptable form of identification.

Sixteen billion jelly beans are produced for Easter every year!

Whether you celebrate Easter with a ton of candy or a church service, you're sure to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of this wonderful holiday. Happy Easter!