Turkey takes center stage on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but ham takes center stage every Easter. While ham on Easter may seem like a family tradition that stretches back generations, it’s a relatively new culinary trend.
Most early Christians celebrated Easter with lamb, not ham. Lamb is still the most popular Easter meal in many parts of the world, especially the Middle East. That isn’t the case in the US, where turkey and ham are more plentiful and affordable and take their prestigious spot on holiday tables.
Read more: The Fascinating History of Spaghetti and Meatballs
Americans weren’t always big on celebrating Easter, largely due to underlying religious differences. By the end of the 19th century, southern communities began celebrating the holiday with church feasts. While affluent Southerners served various dishes, most families turned to ham as an affordable and delicious option.
Ham had many practical benefits at the time, too. Cured ham can be safely stored for months at a time and transported between markets. As Easter celebrations spread across the country, Americans began to associate ham as the perfect Easter dish, as closely associated with the holiday as colored eggs and pastel colors.
No matter what your family enjoys on Easter, the best meals are made on quality appliances from Max’s. We’re northern Michigan’s local appliance service and sales experts, home to top brands and fast, professional repair. Call (231) 947-6830 or get in touch to learn more!
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