What Easter Looked Like from the ’50s to Today
Updated: Mar. 31, 2024
Our 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 to 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: Dapper Details
Suited up for Easter morning, these lads and their dad look ultra sharp. We hope that after Mass (and hunting for eggs), they get to enjoy a tasty Easter brunch.
1950s: The American Dream
White picket fence, a beautiful bonnet and an overflowing Easter basket—talk about picture-perfect!
1950s: Candy Factories
Back in the ’50s, these ladies were working overtime to produce amazing chocolates and truffles for the holiday. These are our favorite Easter candies to fill baskets and eggs today.
1950s: A Couple on Easter Day
When it comes to dressing up and doing it right, you have to admit ’50s ladies and gents had it right. We love this woman’s dress and matching dotted gloves.
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 egg dye approach this year.
1960s: Bold Skirt Suits & Jackets
Pretty in pink (and red), these ladies look ready to take in the day. You can add some pastel flair to your celebration with these 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 slow cooker recipes out.)
1960s: Celebrating with Sweets
Community Cook Darlene Brendan says, “Do you think I had enough ruffles?” While we’re sure she’s happy to see those styles left in the past, we’re happy that bunny cakes are an enduring trend.
1960s: Knowing How to Accessorize
These amazing Easter bonnets just scream vintage—just like these retro Easter 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 you’re 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!
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. And if you have extras, check out these leftover ham recipes.
1980s: Next-Level Confections
Can we just say wow? This incredible decorated chocolate egg is the stuff Easter dreams are made of! Let this photo be your inspiration as you make your own homemade Easter candy this year.
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. If you plan on picking a bunch, follow our guide for arranging flowers like a pro.
1980s: Little Ones Join in on the Fun
Looks like these 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 are a few of you out there searching for a fresh take on Easter dinner—something that’s not ham. These are our favorite Easter dinners that aren’t ham.
1980s: Seeing Double
If one bunny is good, two have got to be better! Keep that in mind when you make these Easter bunny-shaped treats.
1980s: A New Take on Pastels
Elizabeth Bramkamp, one of our Community Cooks, explains that her daughters and nieces used Easter candies to get that baby blue pucker. While they’re busy eating all the Robin’s Eggs, we’re eyeing up those amazing vintage Pyrex dishes on the table!
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 a 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!
Originally Published: April 14, 2022
