The custom of coloring eggs was passed down to the Christians and is still practiced mainly among the peoples of Europe and Asia, but also in America. Therefore in some European countries, the custom has been restricted or has disappeared; it has flourished among the Romans, reaching the heights of art in terms of technique, materials, symbolic motifs, and perfection of execution. There is a belief¹ that eggs boiled and reddened on this day do not spoil throughout the year; even more, they will never break. Tradition says that when Jesus was beaten with stones when they touched him, they turned red eggs. Why do we paint eggs on Easter?
We paint Easter eggs as a symbol of the Lord’s Resurrection; their colors generally represent the joy and purity of being born again.
So it is said that the Blessed Virgin Mary, coming to see her crucified Son, brought some eggs in a basket, which were bloodied while standing under the cross. It is said that after Jesus was crucified, the Pharisee rabbis made a feast of joy. One of them is said to have said, When the rooster we are eating rises, and the boiled eggs turn red, then Jesus will rise too. No sooner had he finished speaking than the eggs turned red, and the rooster started flapping his wings. At Easter, some Latin nations have a custom of egg battle.
Only red eggs are hammered² according to a particular ceremony, which in rural communities is kept without deviation.
The egg has three parts:
- the top of the head
- the opposite side- the back
- sides- the ribs.
What is the biblical meaning of Easter?
The Resurrection of the Saviour is not proclaimed inside the church building but outside the place of worship because it concerns all people. Not only will Christians be resurrected, but at the Second Coming of the Saviour Jesus Christ. When He comes to judge the living and the dead, the resurrection of all people of all times and places will take place. Regardless of religion, race, or age. So all people will rise from the dead. However, the resurrection of the soul from the death of sin is accomplished, and then, at the resurrection of the body. The resurrection of the body from death and corruption. Why do we paint eggs on Easter, and what is the biblical symbolism of Easter?
The biblical symbolism of Easter refers to the celebration of the passage³ from death to heavenly life through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Also, Easter means “passage” and is directly related to our existence. When he looks around, man sees and feels that everything is transitory; today, someone dies. Tomorrow, someone else. Thus every man passes through this world and from this world into another world. Seeing how everything gives, we know we are also transient. Faith, however, means our connection of short people with the non-transient God.
What is God’s color?
Therefore God chose the color white to represent the most beautiful passage from death to eternal life. He indirectly says that white is essential through the phrase “white garments.” Which appears at least ten times in the book of John’s Revelation and elsewhere in the Bible. Likewise, in Daniel’s book, the scene of the beginning of the judgment is painted. It is a great, solemn location where the “Ancient of Days” is depicted clothed in white garments. And in the book of Revelation, there is again the scene of the throne of God surrounded by 24 thrones. On which sit the 24 elders, also dressed in white robes.
The color of God is white because it signifies purity and being born again through the covenant and sufferings of Christ.
God, Himself also mentions in Revelation that the elect will be clothed in His color, the color of Heaven. “Yet you have in Sardis some names that have not put on their garments. So, they will walk with Me clothed in white, for they are worthy.”( Revelation 3: 4 ). Also, here is painted the great picture of the saved, that innumerable multitude, of every nation, tribe, and tongue. And these are seen clothed in white garments, chosen by God. Why do we paint eggs on Easter, and why is Easter celebrated with eggs?
Why is Easter celebrated with eggs?
Some people claim that Easter eggs are believed to carry miraculous powers: they cure diseases and protect animals in the household. So it is also thought that the red egg is a defender against the Devil and guards the house against charms. On the morning of the first day of Easter, children are told to wash their faces with water from a bowl in which a red egg and a silver coin have been placed beforehand. So that they will be healthy and clean all year round, like the Easter egg, and as clean as silver⁴. Vine growers bind their vines in spring with willows at the Flower Festival or bury a red egg on Good Friday to protect their fruit from hail.
Easter is celebrated with eggs because it is said that Mary, the mother of Jesus, carried a basket of eggs under His cross and was filled with blood, and we do this in memory of the living Jesus.
In addition, people put Easter eggs in their windows, and in some places, it is believed that the red egg is, along with the cross, a symbol of victory over the Devil. Red eggs make incantations for toothache, earache, and throat pain. Red guinea fowl eggs are used as a cure for snake bites and in-love charms—the wipes with which the reddened eggs are. And have been wiped are kept for a year because they are suitable for earaches. The Easter eggs must be thrown down the valley. On the water, they will go to let the people know Easter is coming.
What do colored painted eggs have to do with Easter?
The Thursday of Passions was reserved primarily for egg-wrapping. Also, this was indeed a ritual. The woman would sit by the hearth and hold the eggs chosen in the middle of Lent. The preferred ones were soft chicken eggs, on which the paint would stick evenly and beautifully. So the plants used for painting were also chosen and prepared a few days beforehand. Therefore the sun motif, an old traditional motif, also appeared very often. The symbolism of boiled eggs is lovely. So the Passion Cross and the Easter Cross, which we also find on the Easter cake prepared by the housewives, were the favorite motifs. So the symbol of the cross is ubiquitous during this period.
According to the Bible, colored eggs have nothing to do with Easter or the Resurrection, but it is a custom to remember the joy of the Lord’s Resurrection.
So on the first day of Easter, only the head of the egg is hammered head to head. The next day, it may be beaten head to the back, and on subsequent days, back to back. Generally, the oldest man at the table or an older person is the first to rattle is the most aged man at the table or an older person. Who bangs the head of the egg against the head of the egg held in the hand of a person while uttering the expression: Christ is risen, to which the reply is: Truly/Indeed, He is risen!
Key Verse related to His Resurrection
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; therefore, whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
What do the red eggs symbolize?
Legend has it that the Mother of Jesus, sitting at the feet of her crucified Son, saw a basket of eggs left near the cross. So, the blood gushing from the Lord’s breast reddened the eggs, and the Mother of God blessed them with tears. After eating the eggs, the red shells are kept for plowing in the furrows. She believed that the soil would bear good fruit. It is also known as the red Easter egg. And has miraculous powers of healing, removing evil, and being the bearer of health, beauty, vigor, and strength. Why do we paint eggs on Easter?
The red eggs symbolize the blood shed for the whole world’s sins by the Saviour Jesus Christ.
The red color with which Christians paint them at Easter represents, on the one hand, the fire, with its purifying power. And also, the blood of Jesus was shed on the cross for the world’s salvation. On Easter Sunday morning, people have the custom of washing their faces with new or uncooked water, where they place a red egg. Believing this will make them as beautiful and healthy as a red egg all year round. Why do we paint red eggs on Easter?
Red eggs have since been a symbol of self-sacrifice, a symbol of Christian pain and martyrdom, but also a symbol of faith and resurrection. Red eggs represent the passion and blood of God but also the power of life that overcomes all pain when strengthened by faith in God.
The meaning behind the beautiful color of Easter eggs
Good Thursday or Easter Thursday is when housewives have to prepare several traditional dishes for Easter, especially Easter cake and red eggs. So tradition says that if we paint eggs on Easter, Thursday will not spoil all year round. But let’s find out what symbolizes their colors and the symbol of the different painted eggs on Easter.
Blue
Also, the significance of the blue color of eggs is associated with calmness, serenity, and spirituality. But the symbolism of colors is contradictory, so blue can sometimes reflect sadness and loneliness.
Blue is found in the skies and the waters. So, it is a color suggesting slowness as opposed to the vigor and intensity of red. If dark blue inspires confidence, dignity, and intelligence, bright blue denotes purification, strength, support, and coolness. And light blue peace, serenity, spirituality, and infinity.
Green
Most often, the color green on eggs symbolizes nature and, by correlation, rebirth, life, youth, and vigor. So, the people who live in green areas are physically and mentally healthier than those who do not have the privilege of living in such regions. It is also the symbol of fertility. In fact, in the Middle Ages, brides wore outfits where green predominated. So, the shades of green have different meanings: dark green is the color of masculinity and wealth; emerald green symbolizes immortality; olive green is the color of peace.
Red eggs
Red symbolizes heat, fire, passion, enthusiasm, and aggression. So it can increase blood pressure and breathing rate. Also, it has the effect of stimulating people to make quick decisions and raising hope. Red clothes can give the feeling of power, conflict, and aggression.
Pink
So also, the eggs that are painted pink on Easter represent affection. But prolonged exposure to this color can eventually lead to an explosion of violence. So, faded pink is also said to be the color that best marks the beginning of significant intellectual development. It is also the most suitable color for investment.
Violet
Purple eggs are a color related to the paranormal but also a color of suffering. It has a stimulating, unsettling, and discouraging effect, giving a sense of gravity.
Primary Takeaways
- On Easter morning, it’s a good idea to put a red egg in a bowl of cold water and wash your face. The red egg, consecrated in church, protects you and helps keep you healthy and vigorous all year round.
- Red Easter eggs are always eaten at a big meal with family or friends. So, tradition says that the eggs should be eaten on the night of the Resurrection, as soon as the service is over, and at Easter lunch.
- The beating of eggs is a custom linked to health and good luck. Whoever breaks the egg of others is said to be in good health, wealth, and good luck for the whole year.
Conclusion
Eggs are symbols of rebirth and the victory of life over death, representing fertility, youth, and good fortune. Red eggs ward off evil spirits and protect us from disease and sinful temptations. To heal us from pain and bring peace and joy into our homes. So, since the beginning of Christianity, the reddish egg has been a symbol of life. Symbol of spirit and mind for strength, vigor, youth, and regeneration.
