Easter eggs: Symbolism, legends and traditions
The concept of the hollow chocolate Easter egg seamlessly embodies the symbolism of Easter.
‘He is risen’ the popular proclamation denotes the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Christ was crucified on Good Friday and buried in his grave. It is believed when his disciples went back to the grave on Sunday, he wasn’t there. Therefore, this day is observed as the resurrection day of Jesus Christ and termed as Easter. Easter is a prominent day for Christians all around the world. The day is decided according to the lunar calendar. After mourning Christ’s death, Easter is observed as a feast day for Christians.
This year, Easter is being celebrated on April 1.
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However, the word Easter has a history of its own. In the 8th century, a monk Bede found that the month Eosturmōnaþ was named after an old goddesses Eostre. Since the month falls between March and April, this day was termed Easter.
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The celebration and feasting on the day mark the victory of Jesus Christ over his crucifixion. Accused of blasphemy, Christ was betrayed by his own disciple Judas and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. When interrogating him got out no answers, Jesus was sentenced to death by a Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. The New Testament says that those who believe that Jesus resurrected after his death are blessed with ”the gift of eternal life”.
Easter eggs are one of the most important parts of the day. Since eggs denote death and rebirth in the early Mesopotamian cultures, Christians of Mesopotamia began this custom in respect of Christ’s divinity and resurrection. The Easter eggs are also known as paschal eggs, which are used as a gift on this day. The eggs were traditionally painted an decorated on the occasion of Easter. In the modern custom, the eggs have been replaced by eggs shaped chocolates or plastic eggs filled with confectionery.
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