The egg is an ancient symbol of new life and it is said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb. The story of the Easter egg has different versions.
History of Easter Egg
It is said that the origin of Easter eggs starts in Medieval Europe and some even say the first Easter eggs actually belonged to a different religious tradition. During the Lent fast it was tradition to use up all the eggs in the household before Lent began. This is because eggs were considered as the symbol of new life and fertility. According to Christianity, it is forbidden to eat meat or any other animal product including dairy products and eggs. So the eggs laid during that time were often boiled or preserved and later given to the poor.
Why Do We Colour Easter Egg
According to research, coloring or decorating Easter eggs dates back to the 13th century. This custom was followed because eggs were considered a forbidden food during the Lenten season so people paint and decorate them to end fasting and eat them. Easter eggs are symbolic representations of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter eggs were dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ. These eggs were blessed by the priest at the end and distributed to the congregants. The shell of the egg represents the sealed Tomb of Christ and cracking represents Jesus’ resurrection.
Where Did Easter Eggs Come from?
- A. Easter Bunny
- B. Easter Chicken
- C. Easter Bird
- D. None of the above
Easter bunnies first arrived in America in the 1700s by German immigrants and they spread the tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Bunnies deliver eggs on Easter in many countries. Here are also some of other countries tradition as a part of Easter
1. Sweden
Just like Easter Bunny, Sweden follows an old tradition called Easter Witch or ‘Påskkärring’. Children dress up as witches by wearing headscarves and shawls and mark their faces with freckles and roam the streets
2. France
Easter is called Pâques in France. No city, village, or town is without a church in France. No church bell rings in France from Good Friday to Easter. They follow this tradition to mourn the death of Jesus Christ.
3. Norway
Norwegians celebrate Easter in a bigger way than Christmas. They decorate their home with Easter chickens ‘Påskekyllinger’ and eat chocolate Easter eggs ‘Påskeegg’ because chicken is considered a symbol of fertility.
Check out some of the craziest Easter traditions around the world. We have listed few crazy easter traditions just for you to read and play our trivia quizzes.