Easter was one of the most important seasons on the early modern calendar—not just for its religious significance, but for the community, customs, and traditions that surrounded it. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by historian Peter Marshall to explore what Easter looked like in the 16th and early 17th centuries. From Shrove Tuesday pancakes and Maundy Thursday almsgiving to decorated eggs, new clothes, and even church ales, we’re diving into the spiritual and social life of Shakespeare’s world during this festive spring holiday.
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Wilt thou see a wonder?
This episode includes bonus content for patrons. When you join us on Patreon, you’ll get access to detailed show notes featuring period woodcuts of Easter traditions, paintings of religious services, and historical records of Maundy foot-washing and church ales.
In Brief, Sir
Peter Marshall walks us through the full Easter season in Shakespeare’s lifetime, explaining how it evolved out of medieval Lenten traditions and how it adapted under the English Reformation. We explore customs like Shrove Tuesday pancakes, Maundy Thursday foot-washing by monarchs, Easter Sunday feasting, the symbolic Easter sepulcher, and even hot cross buns and early Easter egg games. The episode shows how deeply religion and community were intertwined during this holiday season.
The Marrow of the Matter
- Lent required abstaining not only from meat but from dairy and eggs, which led to Shrove Tuesday as a day to use up these foods before the fast
- Maundy Thursday was associated with charity and foot-washing, practiced even by monarchs like Elizabeth I
- Easter Sunday was one of the few times each year when laypeople were expected to receive communion
- Protestants moved away from confession but still emphasized spiritual preparation through restored relationships and inner reflection
- Decorated eggs, ritual games, and egg gifting traditions survived the Reformation and continued in popular culture
- New clothes or accessories were traditionally worn at Easter, often by reworking or repurposing garments
- Church ales, parish plays, and Hock-tide games helped raise funds for local churches and reinforced community bonds
Meet Our Historian
Peter Marshall is a professor of history at the University of Warwick and an expert on the English Reformation. His work explores how theology and religious ritual shaped society in early modern England. He is the author of Heretics and Believers, Reformation England: 1480–1642, and numerous scholarly articles on religion and culture in the Tudor and Stuart period.
For Those Who Would Know More
- The Stripping of the Altars by Eamon Duffy
- The Stations of the Sun by Ronald Hutton
- Religion and Revelry in Shakespeare’s Festive World by Phebe Jensen
Connections and Curiosities
- Royal records of Maundy ceremonies under Elizabeth I
- Historical accounts of decorated Easter eggs in the royal household
- Context on hot cross buns and their origins in medieval monasteries
- Documentation of church ales and Hock-tide celebrations in post-Reformation England
- Peter Marshall’s academic profile at the University of Warwick
If This Be Joy, Come Back for More
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to That Shakespeare Life on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others find the show. You can join That Shakespeare Society to unlock bonus content, including historical illustrations, activity kits, and detailed notes that bring Shakespeare’s world to life.
