Why do we Celebrate Easter with Eggs? The Origin and Symbolism of Decorated Eggs on Easter Sunday
How many of us know the exact significance of these eggs? Where did this tradition come from?
The festival of Easter is an important day for Christians since it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible states that Jesus Christ died on the cross on Good Friday, which falls on March 30, 2018. He then came back to life on Easter Sunday and thus this day holds immense significance in the Christian calendar. This year Easter Sunday will be on April 1. Christians go to church, attend the Easter mass, there is a celebration of Jesus Christ’s life and later followed by a get together with a special feast. Easter 2018: Head to These Restaurants In Mumbai To Enjoy The Scrumptious Easter Sunday Brunch
What comes first when we think of Easter celebrations are the Easter eggs, the decorated eggs and the egg hunt that is organized for kids in the neighborhood. But how many of us know the exact significance of these eggs? Where did this tradition come from?
The origin of Easter eggs
The tradition of Easter eggs is said to have its roots pre-Christianity. The egg is considered a symbol of new life, fertility and rebirth. Iranians are to said to decorate the eggs during their new year celebrations. There are some claims that Easter egg has pagan roots. The pagan festivals which celebrated spring had eggs symbolic of new beginnings.
In Christianity, Easter eggs are symbolic of the resurrection of Christ. Painting of eggs was a much-loved tradition in the Orthodox Catholic churches. Here the eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ. The hard shell represents the sealed Tomb of Christ and the cracking shells mark His resurrection from the dead. During the Lent period observed before Easter, Christians do not eat eggs and meat. So during the period, people would decorate them. It was a mark of the end of penance and fasting. On Easter Sunday, people would then relish on them as a part of the celebrations.
Over the years the tradition developed into egg-rolling and egg hunts. As chocolate industry and market grew, the chocolate eggs also became available. The first chocolate eggs were made in France and Germany during the 19th century but they were hard. The hollow eggs available today were developed with techniques later.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2018 11:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).