Definition:
“Easter eggs,” or “Paschal eggs,” are decorative eggs that are often given as gifts, used in hunts, or served as part of Easter celebrations. They can be real eggs dyed and decorated, chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with treats.
Etymology:
The term “Easter egg” combines “Easter,” the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and “egg,” which has been a symbol of fertility and rebirth in various cultures for millennia.
The term “Paschal” comes from “Pascha,” which is the Greek and Latin word for Easter, derived from the Hebrew “Pesach,” meaning Passover. “Egg” comes from the Old Norse “egg,” meaning the reproductive body produced by birds and other animals.
Description:
The tradition of using eggs in Easter celebrations dates back to the early Christian communities. Eggs were forbidden during Lent, making them a special treat to be enjoyed on Easter Sunday.
Symbolism:
Easter eggs, like Easter chickens, symbolize new life, resurrection, and rebirth, reflecting the themes of Easter. The egg, as a symbol of fertility and new beginnings, aligns with the spring season and the Christian belief in Jesus’ resurrection.
The term “Easter egg” is often used to describe hidden features, messages, or inside jokes in various forms of media. An Easter egg in art refers to subtle, often cleverly hidden elements within a piece of artwork that may not be immediately obvious to the viewer but can be discovered upon closer inspection. The concept originated from the tradition of Easter egg hunts, where eggs are hidden for children to find, making the symbolism of eggs being a “secret” or “something hidden” more obvious.
Religion:
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Paschal eggs are often dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ and the resurrection. The red color also represents the victory of life over death. Eggs are blessed by the priest during the Paschal vigil and are then distributed to the congregation. They are also shared among family members and friends as a symbol of the resurrection. A popular custom involves cracking eggs against each other while saying “Christ is Risen!” and responding “Indeed He is Risen!” The person whose egg remains uncracked is said to have good luck for the year.
In Western traditions, Easter eggs can be dyed various colors and decorated with a wide range of patterns and designs, symbolizing the joy and celebration of Easter. A common activity where children search for hidden eggs, often filled with candy or small toys, symbolizing the discovery of new life and the resurrection. Children are often tricked by adults to believe in the existence of the Easter Bunny, as they are told the Easter Bunny has hidden the Easter eggs.