15 Forgotten 1970s Easter Traditions Every Family Once Had

Here's a charming stroll down memory lane, exploring 15 delightful Easter traditions from the 1970s that united families and communities in a tapestry of simple, heartfelt celebrations.

Alyana Aguja
April 1, 2026
9 min read

15 Forgotten 1970s Easter Traditions Every Family Once Had — Sebastian Staines from Unsplash

Easter in the 1970s was a delightful blend of heartfelt traditions that revolved around family, creativity, and a dash of community spirit. Numerous households embraced the art of DIY, whipping up natural egg dyes, crafting charming baskets, and stitching together outfits that showcased their ingenuity and a sprinkle of personal flair. Shared experiences took center stage, featuring everything from sunrise church services that could wake the dead, to neighborhood egg hunts that turned competitive, and large family dinners where generations gathered to swap stories and maybe a few secrets. Daily delights like penning cards, hoarding candy, and tuning into radio shows stretched the festivities beyond just one day, infusing the celebration with a little extra flair.

1. Dyeing Eggs with Onion Skins and Natural Colors

Back in the 1970s, families got crafty with Easter eggs, whipping up colorful creations using nothing but good old kitchen ingredients. Onion skins, beet juice, turmeric, and even coffee were whipped up to conjure warm, earthy tones that exuded a charmingly rustic, homemade vibe. Mothers and children huddled around the stove, expertly boiling eggs while artfully layering onion skins or dipping them in colorful concoctions. The journey was a slow dance, where patience was the star of the show. The colors may not have played all the time nicely, but that delightful chaos only added to the allure.

2. Handmade Easter Baskets from Household Items

In the 1970s, families got crafty with Easter baskets, whipping up delightful creations from whatever odds and ends they had lying around the house. Empty margarine tubs, tin cans, or small cardboard boxes were transformed into festive containers with a bit of imagination. Kids frequently took on the role of crafty decorators, wielding construction paper, ribbons, and scraps of fabric like true artists. The process turned into a delightful escapade, brimming with chuckles and a sprinkle of whimsical choices. Every basket had its own personality, crafted from whatever materials were on hand and reflecting each child’s unique artistic flair.

3. Easter Sunday Photo Sessions at Home

Back in the 1970s, Easter Sunday was practically a Hollywood production, with families staging elaborate photo shoots in their living rooms or front yards, complete with pastel outfits and plenty of smiles. Families donned their finest threads, with kids sporting shiny shoes and outfits in delightful pastel hues. Parents orchestrated the gathering with the precision of a seasoned conductor, ensuring everyone was positioned like pieces on a chessboard, each in their perfect spot. Back in the day, cameras were more like rare treasures than the ubiquitous gadgets we have now, making every snap a moment worth cherishing.

4. Attending Sunrise Church Services

In the 1970s, countless families were up with the roosters on Easter Sunday, eagerly making their way to sunrise church services before the sun even had a chance to stretch its rays. The air was refreshingly cool and delightfully quiet as folks congregated outdoors or in modest chapels, eagerly anticipating the moment when the first light would make its grand entrance over the horizon. Ministers chatted about renewal and hope, finding inspiration in the sun’s grand ascent. Kids might have been battling the Sandman, but the crack of dawn added a dash of significance to the whole affair. Families huddled together, sporting their light jackets like fashion statements, as they soaked in the hymns that floated through the morning calm like a gentle breeze.

5. Rolling Eggs Down Hills

Egg rolling was a delightful pastime that families relished during their Easter shindigs in the 1970s. Kids toted their vibrant eggs to the grassy slopes, where they gave them a little nudge and enjoyed the delightful spectacle of their rolling escapades. The objective was straightforward, but oh-so-thrilling! Which egg would embark on the most daring journey without meeting a messy fate? Eggs were having a wild time, bouncing around like they were auditioning for a slapstick comedy, occasionally making it to the finish line unscathed, while other times, they met their fate mid-air with a dramatic splat. Parents hovered around, occasionally jumping in or tossing out some cheerleading vibes.

6. Receiving Chocolate Eggs Wrapped in Foil

Back in the 1970s, chocolate eggs wrapped in vibrant foil were the life of the Easter party! Cadbury and local chocolatiers whipped up both solid and hollow chocolate eggs, all decked out in shiny metallic wrappers that could make even a magpie jealous. Children tore into them with glee, deftly stripping away the foil to unveil the sugary treasure within. The glimmering wrap turned into a star of the show, dazzling in the light and sprinkling a bit of holiday cheer on baskets and tables alike. These chocolate eggs were like little trophies of joy and festivity. They frequently found their way into the hands of children courtesy of parents, relatives, or the occasional neighbor with a penchant for gifting.

7. Decorating Homes with Paper Easter Crafts

Back in the 1970s, families jazzed up their homes with charming paper crafts whipped up by their little Picassos. All it took was some colorful paper, scissors, and glue to whip up a delightful menagerie of bunnies, eggs, and springtime scenes. These decorations were stuck to windows, draped on walls, or perched on doors like they were auditioning for a home makeover show. Every piece was a delightful testament to a child’s creativity, showcasing charmingly uneven cuts and a riot of bright colors that practically danced with personality. Parents showcased them with flair, transforming mundane areas into delightful nods to the season.

8. Easter Egg Hunts Organized by Neighborhoods

In the 1970s, whole neighborhoods would unite for some excellent Easter egg hunts! Parents teamed up to stash eggs in all the prime spots on yards, parks, and wide-open fields, like they were on a top-secret mission! Little ones huddled together, buzzing with excitement as they awaited the green light to kick things off. Once the signal was given, they scattered like confetti, scurrying behind trees, peeking under bushes, and darting along fences. The thrill escalated as baskets overflowed, and a delightful rivalry blossomed among neighbors who were practically family. These events really brought the community together, crafting shared experiences that went far beyond the confines of individual homes.

9. Wearing Homemade or Hand-Sewn Easter Outfits

Back in the 1970s, kids strutted around in Easter outfits crafted with love at home or stitched with the utmost care—talk about a fashion statement! Mothers or relatives frequently dedicated weeks to crafting dresses, shirts, or suits, meticulously selecting patterns and fabrics as if they were auditioning for a fashion show. Pastel colors, floral prints, and simple designs were all the rage, perfectly capturing the delightful essence of springtime freshness. On Easter Sunday, the kids strutted their stuff in outfits that were practically tailor-made for their adorable little selves. The clothing was like a sentimental treasure chest, brimming with personal stories and emotional flair.

10. Writing Easter Cards by Hand

Back in the 1970s, families would channel their inner artists, crafting Easter cards by hand and sending them off through the postal wonderland. Parents led their little scribes as they meticulously crafted brief notes brimming with cheerful salutations and warm wishes. Cards boasted soft pastel hues, divine emblems, or delightful springtime vistas. Every single word counted, and tidy handwriting was all the rage. Writing took on a certain gravitas, as families hit the pause button to ponder the lives of those relatives and friends scattered across the map. Getting these cards was just as crucial. Families approached their mailboxes like treasure hunters, hearts racing at the thought of what each envelope might reveal.

11. Saving Easter Candy for Weeks

In the 1970s, kids had a knack for making their Easter candy last longer than a soap opera, savoring it over several weeks instead of diving in all at once. Parents played the role of wise sages, nudging their little ones to savor their sweets instead of gobbling them up like there’s no tomorrow. Candy was stashed in tiny containers or cleverly hidden in drawers, building up a delightful suspense every time a piece was liberated. This leisurely delight transformed a mere holiday into a prolonged escapade, with the thrill hanging around long after Easter Sunday had packed its bags. This habit was a delightful dance of practicality and discipline.

12. Hosting Large Family Easter Dinners at Home

In the 1970s, Easter was all about throwing grand family feasts at home, where relatives would converge around a communal table, ready to feast and perhaps bicker over who made the best potato salad. Feasts featured classic delights like baked ham, roasted veggies, devilishly good eggs, and desserts that could make a pastry chef weep with joy. Preparations kicked off at the crack of dawn, with family members whipping up their signature dishes and transforming the table into a culinary masterpiece. The kitchen transformed into a bustling hub, alive with chatter, shuffling feet, and the delightful symphony of culinary creation.

13. Listening to Easter-Themed Radio Programs

Back in the 1970s, families gathered around their radios, eagerly tuning in to Easter-themed programs that filled the airwaves all weekend long. What a way to celebrate the holiday, right? Stations served up a delightful blend of sacred tunes, captivating tales, and festive melodies that truly captured the essence of rejuvenation. Radios found their cozy spots in living rooms or kitchens, serenading families as they whipped up meals or got crafty with egg decorating. Little ones sat in rapt attention as storytellers spun tales that danced around the essence of Easter, their imaginations painting vivid pictures with nothing but the power of voice.

14. Participating in Church-Sponsored Easter Pageants

In the 1970s, churches were all about putting on Easter pageants that brought together kids and adults from the congregation for a good old-fashioned theatrical extravaganza. Participants donned their finest simple costumes to bring the Easter story to life, one scene at a time. Families donned their creative caps, whipping up outfits and rehearsing lines, transforming the event into a delightful community spectacle. The performances typically took place in church halls or under the open sky, where parents and neighbors would assemble to witness the spectacle. Each scene was met with applause, turning the atmosphere into a delightful celebration of collective pride and achievement.

15. Placing Easter Bonnets and Hats on Display

Back in the 1970s, Easter bonnets and hats were not merely fashion statements; they were the life of the party! They were the meticulously selected or adorned treasures that families flaunted with pride. Women and young girls frequently donned hats embellished with ribbons, flowers, or lace, showcasing their unique flair and the whims of the season. Before or after church services, these hats found their way onto tables or shelves at home, seamlessly blending into the holiday decor like they were born to be part of the scene. Visitors couldn’t help but take notice, and the chatter frequently revolved around their clever design and intricate details.