EASTER EGGS – SYMBOL OF THE GREAT EASTER HOLIDAY
The egg is the most popular symbol of the brightest Christian holiday. Traditionally before Easter in every home the housewives are dyeing eggs which are symbolizing the resurrection and the beginning of a new life. It is one of the most beautiful and joyful Orthodox traditions that are celebrating till today.
WHAT IS SYMBOLIZING THE EASTER EGG?
The egg has always been considered like a symbol of rebirth and was associated with the revival of nature. In many cultures, the egg became synonymous with fertility and in the past there were beliefs that the whole universe was created by a giant egg. It is thought that this meaning comes from the Latin proverb “Omne vivum ex ovo” which means “All life comes from an egg” In Christianity Easter egg symbolizes Christ’s Resurrection. Hard shell of the egg represents the tomb of Jesus and breaking eggs symbolize the resurrection from the dead. Therefore, when we gave someone an Easter egg, we welcome with the words “Christ is risen”. Traditionally Easter eggs are dyed and decorated. In our culture, coloring the eggs gradually began to be replaced with buying chocolate eggs and plastic eggs filled with candy, but in our tradition the dying of the eggs is still very popular.
WHY THE FIRST EGGS SHOULD BE RED?
The red color symbolizes the shed blood of Jesus for the salvation of the people of the country and also represents victory, health, optimism and love. There are many legends explaining the meaning of the red egg and why it has the greatest power. According to one of them, when Maria Magdalena saw Jesus after his resurrection, she carried the basket with eggs to gave to the other women. In the moment she saw Jesus, the eggs dyed in perfect red color. In other legend, while Jesus was crucified, next to the cross came hen and she laid an egg. The blood flowed from the Jesus body and dyed the egg in red color. Therefore, the first egg should be in red to symbolize the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.
WHY WE GIVE EACH OTHER EGGS FOR EASTER?
Giving each other eggs derived from Biblical event. It considered that after the death of Jesus, Maria Magdalena went to Rome to preach the gospel. When she met the Roman Emperor Tiberius, she gave him an egg and greeted with the words “Christ is risen”. While she told him about Christ’s Resurrection, Emperor smiled and said that the return of Jesus from the dead is as impossible as white egg in its hand turn red. Before ending with a speech, the egg in the hand of Maria Magdalena also dyed in bright red color. That’s the reason why Christians give each other Easter eggs and they greet with the words “Christ is risen.”
WHY THE PEOPLE BREAKS WITH EGGS ON EASTER?
On Easter the people breaks with Easter eggs and the winner is that one in who stays the healtier egg. According the people beliefs, that one who is the winner will be health in the upcoming year. Breaking with eggs symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. While the Jesus tomb was opened when he was resurrected, to announce the new life, and the egg was breaking too when he comes out to break new life. When we are breaking with eggs, we are actually acknowledge and remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter celebration is over the all holidays, the day when Jesus proved his divine strength and power. Invite spiritual peace and full of joy to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.