Eggs are unique for Easter, just like cake is for Christmas. Easter eggs are linked to the Resurrection according to mythology and custom that date back to the Middle Ages. They represent a victorious transition from death to life and are a sign of fertility and regeneration.
Every location adds its own flavour to the custom by varying the stories linked with Easter eggs. Children in North America and Canada think that the Easter Bunny gives eggs for Easter.
In the 15th century, Easter eggs resembling those eaten now were offered in England. After the Easter Sunday service and prayers, everyone was fed flour that had been combined with sugar and formed into balls. Easter egg giving probably began with Mesopotamian Christians, who were the first to practise it. Later, the custom expanded outside. Easter is a holiday that is observed around the time of the Vernal (spring) Equinox, when the earth is at its most fertile. It marks the start of a new year in many civilizations.
The custom of attractively colouring eggs dates back a very long time. Because everything bright and lovely was linked to the coming of spring and rebirth, this had to be the case. Only through time did the tradition of presenting the eggs become a part of the Easter celebrations.
There are two alternative avatars for Easter eggs. The conventional method was to boil eggs and then paint coloured stripes on their shells to make them seem pretty. The eggs also underwent changes as time passed and the present age came into being. They were offered as plastic or chocolate eggs. These eggs were filled with candy and chocolates, tastefully gift-wrapped, and displayed as saleable goods.
Red Easter eggs are unique because they represent the blood that Christ shed on the cross. Even hollow eggs are traded among people. Once more, this represents the empty tomb of Jesus. The eggs were originally painted using solely natural colours made from onion skins, beetroot, and flowers. This gradually gave way to synthetic colours. Families in the West continue to practise the custom by giving and receiving Easter eggs from relatives and cousins. The eggs also have a message for Easter.
When it comes to popularising the custom, kids make the ideal spokespersons and salespeople. The Easter Egg Hunt is the main event, and children absolutely love playing this game. Easter Egg activities like ‘egg rolling’ and ‘egg dancing’ have gained popularity as a way to spice up the pleasure.
