Eggs are used as a symbol of fertility and restoration. Early Christians used eggs to signify the birth of Jesus Christ, therefore, marking the Resurrection of Christ. It's believed that the practice of colouring and decorating Easter eggs has existed for ages. The decoration became significant to identify the holy eggs from the regular ones.
Significance of Easter eggs
The tradition has been borrowed from European Pagans (people practicing non-Christian customs), who use eggs to symbolize regeneration during springtime. Adapting the same, Christians apply the regeneration theory by connecting it with the rebirth of Jesus. Moreover, eggs are forbidden during Lent (40 days of penance and fasting), and on Easter, when the time comes to welcome back the mighty, people use eggs to symbolize fertility. Just as a new life emerges from an
eggshell, Jesus emerges from the tomb.
Origin of egg decoration
The tradition of decorating and colouring eggs is believed to be ancient, with no exact date. Some scholars believe that it started as early as the 13th century. Eastern Orthodox and Western churches have practised the tradition since the middle ages.
Egg colouring tradition
Orthodox Christians colour the egg red to denote Christ's blood during the crucifixion. The tradition continues even today, and not just Orthodox Christians but modern secular nations also practice it. The tweak in the rule is the use of multiple colours, not just red. Popular egg-related Easter games Easter egg hunts and egg-rolling are the most popular Easter activities. These events may not have a religious significance but are organized to perk up the festivity.
For egg hunts, multi-chromatic eggs are hidden for kids to find. Different forms of eggs are used in the game, like some are hard boiled eggs, while in some cases, artificial eggs with chocolate and candy coating are used. As soon as the eggs are found, they are eaten by the participants to conclude the 40 days of Lenten sacrifice.
The egg rolling tradition is a popular practice in the United States. It involves children racing past each other by dragging boiled eggs with a long-handled spoon. In 1876, the US Capitol building banned the game owing to mini damage by children at the legislative building until 1878, when then American President Rutherford B. Hayes instructed his guards to let the celebrations continue in WH's backyard. The South Lawn celebrations are the first official White House Easter Egg Roll.
