What Easter Looked Like From the ’50s to Today
Updated: May 16, 2023Our favorite Easter traditions—think eggs and bunny cakes—have been around a long time! Check out how the holiday has changed since the '50s.
Like any holiday, Easter is full of fun and heartwarming traditions that revisit each year. Check out our favorite ways to celebrate! While we may look a little different donning our Easter best today than back in 1950, the celebration endures.
Check out how different (and sometimes similar) Easter looked back in the ’50s, ’60’s, ’70s and beyond.
1950s: The American Dream
White picket fence, a beautiful bonnet and an overflowing Easter basket—talk about picture perfect!
Make these gorgeous treats this spring for a photo-worthy holiday.
1950s: Candy Factories
Back in the ’50s, these ladies were working overtime to produce amazing chocolates and truffles for the holiday. If you’re mixing up decadent truffles, this Easter, try these upgrades for your best yet!
1950s: Dyeing Eggs in the Kitchen
Dyeing Easter eggs is a wonderfully messy affair. Go classic with vinegar and food color dyes like these ’50s kids or try a more natural approach this year.
1960s: Bold Skirt Suits & Jackets
Pretty in pink (and red), these ladies look ready to take in the day. Celebrate Easter this year with these perfectly pink treats.
1960s: Sunday Best
These girls in their pastel and floral dresses have us thinking spring (finally!). Celebrate the dawn of this new season with these spring farmers market recipes.
1960s: Matching Outfits
We typically associate Christmas with wonderfully unique matching ensembles (pssst… you can see plenty here), but this family takes it to a new level by coordinating these six kiddos on Easter morning.
1960s: Sunday Service
We love the bunnies, chocolates and eggs, but let’s not forget about Easter morning services, too! (And if you’re looking for easy meals to start in your slow cooker while you’re away at church, check these out.)
1960s: Knowing How to Accessorize
These amazing Easter bonnets just scream vintage (just like these recipes!).
1970s: Springtime in the Garden
As the unofficial start to spring, who doesn’t love to be outside on Easter morning? If you’re lucky enough, there might be a few flowers blooming.
1970s: Potluck Dinners
On holidays, it’s just natural to gather all those you love together to celebrate. If your’e feeding a crowd, like this family was in 1977, you’ll want to check out these Easter dinners made to serve big groups.
1970s: Pastel Dresses
We love the look of these two girlies in their Easter best—so sweet! (Just like these springtime cupcakes!)
1980s: It’s All About the Ham
Easter dinner is always a highlight. Make sure that ham is cooked to perfection with this easy, step-by-step guide.
1980s: Next-Level Confections
Can we just say wow? This incredible decorated chocolate egg is the stuff Easter dreams are made of! If you’re ready to take on creating your own candy this Easter, try these recipes.
1980s: Counting Eggs
On Easter, it’s easy to go crazy dyeing eggs like this little guy. I mean, who can blame him when it’s so much fun! But after Easter is done and you’re left with extras, you can try these recipes to use them all up!
1980s: A Photoshoot in the Flowers
On Easter morning, we wake up and smell the daffodils (and these amazing breakfasts).
1980s: Little Ones Join in on the Fun
Looks like this tots found where the rabbit hid all his eggs! After the egg hunt, try these activities for kids for an extra fun and festive holiday.
1980s: On the Hunt
While this kiddo is searching for eggs, we bet there’s a few of you out there searching for a fresh take on Easter dinner—something that’s not ham. Check out these recipes for inspiration.
1980s: Seeing Double
If one bunny is good, two has got to be better! (And these 14 bunny-shaped recipes better yet!)
1990s: Photos With the Easter Bunny
How tiny and cute does this little girl look in E. Bunny’s arms? Just a little bit cuter than these micro mini desserts.
1990s: Taste of Home Recipes Delight
Do these bunny biscuits look familiar? We love these biscuits because they’re a simple recipe to bake up with kiddos and they’re super festive to boot.
1990s: All Ears
There’s nothing sweeter than a smiling kiddo next to a smiling Easter bunny—well, except maybe these tasty Easter bakes.
1990s: Sugar Rush, Anyone?
This photo was taken pre-sugar high, we’re sure! When Easter is over and you’re knee deep in leftover candy, try these recipes (originally designed to use up Halloween leftovers!).
1990s: Hats On!
On Easter morning, what little girl isn’t in a floral dress and hat? We love this ’90s version perfect with those adorable pink shoes.
1990s: Pre-Pinterest Tablescapes
Community Cook Joan Hallford shows off her Easter tablescape from back in ’98. Check out that adorable cake! Find more pretty Easter desserts here—perfect for sharing with friends and fam.
Today
While most families continue to celebrate with an special Easter brunch or family dinner (hello, honey-glazed ham!), we’re seeing more and more casual get-togethers that offer a new spin on classic holiday traditions. Think: adult Easter egg hunts, decked out Easter baskets, dedicated Easter egg decorating parties and more. We’re excited to see what’s next!
