New York Easter Parade
New York Easter Parade 1900
The New York Easter Parade started as a spontaneous event in the 1870′s and had continued ever since. From the 1880′s throught o the 1950′s, it was one of the main cultural expressions of Easter in the United States. In the mid-19th Century, churches began decorating their sancturies with Easter flowers. As the practice expanded, the floral displays grew even more elaborate and those who attended the churches incorporated these values into their dress. By the 1880′s, the Easter Parade had become a vast spectacle of fashion. It was an after-church cultural event for the well-to-do decked out in new and fashionable clothing. People from poorer classes would observe the parade to learn the latest in trends. As the parade and the holiday together became more important, dry goods merchants and milliners publicised them in the promotion of their wares. Advertisements of the day linked an endless array of merchandise to Easter. By 1900, it was as important in retailing as the Christmas season is today. Continue reading
