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 ince time immemorial, the egg has been rich with
the symbolism of fertility, hope and creation. As a
sign of resurrection, it has always been present at
Easter. So, adapting these symbols and religious
meanings, Italians, at the end of the 18th century,
developed a tradition of exchanging chocolate eggs, in
which a gift has been inserted, during Easter week.
With such ingredients as sugar, whole milk,
cocoa butter and cocoa, today's chocolate eggs come
in all sizes and styles. We find dark chocolate, milk
chocolate or sugar coated (resembling common eggs);
while some are sugar-decorated, sold "natural",
without a wrapper, others have beautiful,
brightly-colored foil wrappers. Chocolate eggs differ
also in the "surprise" they contain (for children, boys
and girls, adults...), which goes from the most simple
to the most refined and precious little objects.
While the ancient beliefs underlying Easter eggs may be long forgotten, the important Italian
tradition of giving these oval shaped sweets has become widespread, to the immense delight of
people from many diverse cultures and backgrounds, especially the world's children.
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