Easter is the time when the earth rejuvenates itself. Flowers spring forth from their buds and the earth is full of green joy. Easter was originally adapted by Christians from a Pagan festival. The egg has been a symbol of fertility and rebirth in most of the cultures all over the world. Phoenicians, Persians, Egyptians, and Hindus believed that the earth was born out of an egg.
Therefore, the egg has been associated with Easter for eons. In Christianity, the egg also represents the stone of Christ's tomb. The Easter egg rolling game symbolizes resurrection of the Christ. The Easter egg history is a very interesting one. Here are some impressive facts from Easter egg history –
- The account books of England's Edward I shows that 450 colored and gold-leafed Easter eggs were sent as gifts and they cost 18 pence.
- Easter eggs were originally painted in bright colors representing the bright spring sun.
- According to a Polish legend, Virgin Mary gave eggs to the soldiers at the cross and pleaded them not to treat her child harshly. As she wept tear drops rolled down from her cheeks on to the eggs creating bright colored spots.
- At one point in history, colored and etched eggs were exchanged among lovers as a token of their love for each other, just like Valentine's Day gifts.
- Greeks paint Easter eggs crimson red in memory of the blood shed by Jesus Christ.
- A book which was written five hundred years ago has given us the first written record of an Easter egg.
- In certain parts of Germany and Austria, green eggs are gifted on Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday.
- A North African tribe that had become Christian long time back used to color their Easter eggs.
For more exciting information on Easter egg keep surfing through the pages of Christmas Carnivals.
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