Origin of the Easter Egg

The Origin Of The Easter Egg -Filled with chocolate or just dyed, Easter eggs are part of spring. Everyone enjoys the little treat of sweet filled eggs or the fun colors kids (or adults) decorate their eggs with. Whether or not your child believes in the Easter bunny, the eggs are a part of the overall fun of this “new beginning” season. I love to do both versions with the eggs. We all enjoy it, but have you ever wondered where the tradition came from? Well now you don’t have to wonder anymore; here is the origin of the Easter egg as a tradition for one and all to enjoy.
The Origin of the Eggs

Before Christians took over this tradition for themselves, ostrich eggs were enclosed in gold or silver, carved, and then placed into Egyptian tombs, and the reason for this is unknown. Years later, the Christians took over the tradition. They would take eggs and dye them red in representation of the blood of Christ. Adopting this tradition was a way to show the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The egg tradition was then combined with the Lent tradition. Before Lent began people would use up all the eggs they had as eggs were forbidden during Lent, along with other meats. The surplus of eggs would then be used during Easter.

The Origin Of Decorating

The first decorating was done, as I said, to represent the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The shell representing the tomb and the cracking of the shell represents Jesus exiting the tomb. However, other countries have their own decorating traditions. Some of the more well-known ones are the Russian Faberge eggs, the Ukraine Pysanka, and the Romanian Easter eggs.

There are several different methods and traditions for decorating Easter eggs. The Pysanka is the Ukraine decorating method that involves using wax to decorate the eggs. Faberge eggs are hand carved works of art by Russian craft masters. Though real eggs are not used, the craters of these eggs use great skill to create these eggs. Faberge eggs also, usually, contain little surprises inside each egg which make them extra fun.

Egg Tradition

Along with decorating the eggs, there are several different traditions involved with Easter eggs. During Easter celebrations games are played with the eggs. These games include Easter eggs hunts, egg tapping, egg rolling, and egg dancing. Though the origin of these traditions is unknown, they are still enjoyable no matter the age of the participants. The legend of the Easter bunny came to the USA in the 1800’s by German settlers who brought over their traditions, and the rest as they say….. is history! ☺

In Closing

The Easter Egg symbolizes new life, fertility, spring, and re-birthing. It’s a beautiful tradition any way you look at it!

Be sure to check out some of my awesome Easter Egg fun things to do, make and bake!