Easter is quickly approaching, and I find myself once again in preparation mode. All eight Easter baskets, one for each of my grandchildren, are lined up neatly across the dining room table, like a row of cheerful little bunnies and chicks waiting to be filled. These are the very same baskets they received on their first Easter, a small but meaningful way to create continuity, memory, and tradition. While the contents may change from year to year, the baskets remain the same, white bunnies for the girls and yellow chicks for the boys.

As I set them in place, I began to wonder: Why do we give Easter baskets? Where did this tradition come from? Thanks to the ever-accessible internet, I soon discovered that the custom has German roots, much like my mother’s side of the family.

Centuries ago, German children would create small nests out of twigs or leaves, often shaping them inside hats or bonnets. On the night before Easter, they would set these “nests” out in hopes that the Easter Hare would visit and fill them with brightly colored, hard-boiled eggs. These eggs symbolized fertility and new life, fitting for the spring season and the deeper meaning of Easter.

As time moved forward, these simple nests gradually evolved into baskets, and the legend of the Easter Bunny became part of the tradition we know today. When German settlers made their way to America, many settling right here in the Juniata River Valley, they brought these customs with them, planting the roots of the celebrations we still enjoy.

Over the years, Lewistown has had its share of beloved places to gather Easter basket goodies, some I remember well, and others I’ve only heard about through stories. One such place was the Diana Candy Shop, located at 10 W. Market St., where The Square Café & Bakery now stands. It was said to be bustling during the Easter season, known for its large, candy-filled eggs and an irresistible collection of sweet treats.

Then there was Goss Candy on Valley Street, remembered fondly as home to what many claim was the best peanut butter egg around. One loyal customer even admitted to eating six boxes every Easter, which I think we can all agree is the very definition of brand loyalty! In 1991, Asher’s Chocolate, with roots in Philadelphia, purchased Goss Candy Company and brought its operation to Lewistown, continuing the tradition of handcrafted chocolate that we still enjoy today. In fact, there is always a piece of Asher’s candy tucked into my grandchildren’s baskets, a small reminder to support local businesses and honor the traditions that connect us.

Candy shops weren’t the only stops for Easter preparations. Who could forget trips to G.C. Murphy Co. and McCrory 5 & 10? At McCrory’s, we would stand wide-eyed, pressed up against the plate glass windows, completely mesmerized by the colorful display of live baby chicks. Yes–real chicks, somehow dyed in bright pastel shades of spring.

Looking back, I’m grateful my mother never gave in to my tearful pleas to bring one home. The practice feels a bit questionable now, but at the time, I was certain I couldn’t live without one. Truth be told, I’m not quite sure what I would have done once it grew into a full-sized chicken.

A trip downtown often meant more than just candy. It was a full experience, perhaps picking out a frilly bonnet, lace-trimmed ankle socks, or shiny patent leather shoes to match a brand-new Easter dress. And after a long morning of shopping, there was nothing better than settling into a booth or grabbing a seat at the counter at G.C. Murphy Co. for a simple lunch, surrounded by the hum of a busy, vibrant town.

Today, as I look at those eight baskets waiting patiently on my table, I’m reminded that while the candies, stores, and even the traditions themselves may evolve over time, the heart behind them remains unchanged. Easter baskets are more than just treats, they are small containers of love, filled with memories, heritage, and the joy of giving. And perhaps, just like those early German nests, what we are really passing down is something far more meaningful than sweets, a tradition of care, connection, and the simple magic of believing in something special. Oh, and just in case you are wondering, chocolate is always the answer, no matter what the question!

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Rhonda S. Kelley is the executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.