What symbolism does the coloring of the eggs carry? History shows that dyed eggs were given as far back as ancient Egypt, Persia, Rome, China and Greece. They symbolized the birth of life. In many cultures, the egg is associated with the universe. The Persians, for example, believed that the earth hatched from a giant egg. The Jews, on the other hand, had a custom, when they went to visit someone, to give a gift to the host and in case the guest was very poor, he gave an egg as a gift. Learn more interesting facts about Easter in this blog post!
The Roots of the Holiday
Although a Catholic tradition, the Easter bunny has won the hearts of Orthodox Christians as well. Legend has it that the Easter Bunny carries a basket full of colorful eggs, sweets and toys for children on the night before Easter. He leaves it either in a specific place in the house or hides it somewhere and the little children have to find it on the morning of the holiday. The first texts in which the Easter rabbit is mentioned are from 1620. The symbolism of the Easter bunny originates from Alsace. The first candy in the shape of an Easter bunny was made in the early 19th century in Germany, and then German settlers brought it to the United States.
According to Christian tradition, when Mary Magdalene went to Rome to meet the emperor, following this custom, she presented him with an egg that was dyed red, a symbol of the blood of Christ. Many people saw the egg as a symbol of rebirth in the spring. Eggs were painted, decorated and painted by Romans, Gauls, Persians and Chinese.
After the emergence of Christianity, the egg began to be perceived as a symbol of the birth of man from nature. In the Orthodox world, eggs are used as a special Easter greeting. People hit each other with eggs and greet each other with the phrase: 'Christ is Risen'.
Different Rituals And Symbols of The Holiday Around The World
Easter is among the brightest Christian holidays. Then Christians celebrate the Resurrection of the Son of God Jesus Christ. There are some symbols that are chicks, the eggs, the bunnies, etc. And different countries
- Sugar and chocolate eggs are extremely popular in Australia. Bunny treats and bilbies – a mouse-like marsupial – are also sold. Australians consider it the Easter symbol of the country.
- Leftovers from celebrating Christmas in Germany are not thrown away after the holidays. They wait until Easter, when on its eve they are piled up and set on fire. This ritual symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
- Swedes decorate their houses in yellow, white and green. Christmas-like dishes are present on the table. Easter eggs are a large cardboard box in which a beautiful candy is placed.
- While it is a tradition in New Zealand to hide Easter eggs, some people in Switzerland proudly display them. In Nyon, near Geneva, it is a tradition to decorate fountains with flowers, ribbons and eggs.
- The bells in French churches never ring on Good Friday in recognition of Jesus' death. This is because then the bells "fly to Rome" and return right at Easter when they are due to ring again.
- Egg rolling is still quite a popular sport in the UK. The competition consists of rolling eggs down large hills. The one whose egg goes the furthest or doesn't break when rolled wins.
Some International Easter Symbols
Eggs
At Easter every year we paint eggs. The first must be red, and the colors of the eggs also have symbolism. The egg itself has been a symbol of new life and spring since ancient times. It is believed that the egg also symbolizes the burial cave from which Jesus came out as resurrected.
Chickens
On holidays, we decorate the home and the table with small decorative chickens or look for salt shakers, napkins, bowls with their faces. The chicken is also taken as a symbol of new life and rebirth - that is, with the resurrection of Christ.
Rabbit
One of the most popular symbols of the holiday. We decorate the home with rabbit figurines, and they are also depicted on trays, plates, tablecloths, napkins, etc. In the spring, the shops are full of chocolate bunnies. The Easter bunny is a symbol of new life and reminds us that spring is here - that's when the animals come out and nature wakes up. There are also legends about him. In Catholic countries, the Rabbit is something like Santa Claus. Children believe that if they have been obedient, the long-eared animal will come to them and leave a nest or basket containing patterned eggs as well as treats.
Lilies
These flowers are also called creams. They are also painted on Easter accessories. The cream symbolizes the purity of Christ, as well as his revival in the spring. With no doubt, a nice
lily flower arrangement would make a magnificent decoration for the holiday!
Cross
Traditional Christian symbol. Jesus was crucified on the cross. The cross symbolizes Christ's victory over death.
Palm branches
They are a famous symbol of the holiday. Jesus Christ was greeted by people waving palm branches when he arrived in Jerusalem on the Sunday before Easter.
