Easter eggs

Easter eggs
Observed by	Various cultures worldwide
Type	Cultural
Celebrations	Egg decorating, egg hunts, egg rolling
Date	Varies
Related to	Easter, Easter Bunny

Easter eggs are specially decorated eggs given out to celebrate the Easter holiday or springtime. The egg was a symbol of rebirth in many cultures long before its adoption in Christian traditions, which associate the egg with the resurrection of Jesus. Easter eggs are a widely popular symbol of new life in numerous cultures.

History

The practice of decorating eggshells is ancient, predating Christian traditions. Decorated eggs have been found in Africa dating back thousands of years. In Christian communities, the egg symbolizes the empty tomb of Jesus. The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jellybeans.

Customs and Traditions

Various cultures have different methods of decorating Easter eggs. Eastern European cultures, such as those in Ukraine, have a tradition of decorating eggs using the wax-resist method to create intricate patterns. The most famous of these is the Ukrainian Pysanka, which involves using a tool called a kistka to apply wax and dyes in layers.

In Western countries, egg decorating is often a simple activity involving dyeing eggs in different colors and adding stickers or painting them. Egg hunts, where children search for hidden eggs, and egg rolling competitions are also popular.

Symbolic Meanings

Easter eggs are considered by many as a symbol of new life and rebirth. In Christianity, they symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The hard shell of the egg represents the sealed Tomb of Christ, and cracking the shell represents Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

Contemporary Celebrations

Today, Easter eggs are a part of secular and religious Easter celebrations. In the United States, the White House Easter Egg Roll is an annual event that is held on the White House lawn each Monday after Easter. The event includes egg rolling and other activities.

See Also

• Easter Bunny
• Easter
• Pysanka
• White House Easter Egg Roll