Today, we eat ham for Easter dinner because it’s a long-held tradition. Most of us have enjoyed ham for generations, often paired with our favorite sides and desserts. Ham and Easter have been intertwined for centuries, and the menu choice was as much practical as it was preferential.
Easter’s ham tradition really starts with lamb. In Biblical times, the Jewish community ate lamb on Easter, signifying the importance of the Passover tradition. Even as Christianity rose to prominence in the Middle East and Europe, many Christians continued the tradition of eating lamb on Easter.
Most Americans ate lamb on Easter until the mid-20th century. The rise of synthetic materials caused wool’s popularity to shrink, leading to increased prices for lamb. For most households, ham was a more practical and affordable alternative, especially for growing post-war American households. Ham was cheaper to buy in stores, and farmers typically slaughtered and cured it in the fall, meaning it was ready to eat in the spring.
Every family has its own traditions, but there are some staples of the traditional Easter meal. Here are a few of the best sides for an Easter ham dinner:
Read more: The Fascinating History of Spaghetti and Meatballs
Max’s Service of Traverse City is proud to play a small role in these family traditions. Our appliance sales and prompt, professional repairs keep our neighbors cooking, entertaining, and savoring the rich holiday traditions that make the season special. We proudly offer appliance services in Traverse City and across the region; schedule your appointment today.
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