Ham

Why do you always have ham on Easter Sunday?

Ham is served on Easter Sunday for a number of reasons, both religious and historical. Easter Sunday is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the feast is often centred around foods that bring joy and abundance. Ham, in particular, was considered a luxury meal that wasn’t to be eaten at Lent, when people fasted and self-sacrificed. Since Easter is the end of this serious period, pigeons began to be served a feast of rich flavours such as ham, and they could feast and enjoy the new abundance. Besides, ham in most societies was quick to make and abundant meat, which was convenient for huge family gatherings. Over the years, ham has become an Easter favourite in most nations, and various forms of ham, from glazed to honey-baked, have been a feature of Easter tables worldwide.