Meaning of the easter egg (what is it, concept and definition)

What is the Easter Egg:

The egg is a symbol of Easter that represents the beginning of life and fertility. For Christians, it symbolizes the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of a new life.

The tradition of giving eggs on Easter Sunday is very old and common in the countries of Central Europe, England and the United States.

It arose as a consequence of the abstinence that the Catholic Church commanded to keep during Lent. In this period, Christians were unable to eat meat, eggs, or dairy.

Therefore, when Lent ended, the faithful gathered in front of the churches and gave the eggs decorated with colors and festive motives, since Jesus Christ had been reborn and it was necessary to lift abstinence and celebrate.

Let us remember, moreover, that with Easter spring also returns, the greening of the fields occurs and the animals begin to reproduce. It is no coincidence, then, that the egg, symbol of new life, is associated with the hope of soil fertility and harvests.

Today it has become customary to give away chocolate eggs. Some hide them for children to look for. Sometimes it can be accompanied by other surprises, such as a stuffed animal.

Easter bunny and eggs

To the tradition of giving Easter eggs, a character called Easter rabbit has been added, which is in charge of bringing the eggs, in the same way that Santa Claus brings gifts at Christmas. These eggs are sometimes hidden throughout the house for children to find, as a game.

Both the eggs and the rabbit are considered symbols of life and fertility. The egg, for example, represents the beginning of life, while the rabbit is an animal appreciated for its great reproductive capacity.

Easter eggs in Christianity

Christianity has been adopting the symbol of the Easter egg as part of its celebrations for the Easter holiday. There are even those who decorate the eggs with images of Jesus and Mary, in order to represent life and rebirth.

However, it should be noted that there is no reference or mention in the Bible to Easter eggs or the custom of giving painted eggs on Easter. Most likely, it is a pagan custom amalgamated after the celebration of Christian Easter.

See also:

• Easter. The 8 symbols of Easter and their meaning.