Easter Special: History of Easter eggs
Easter eggs are brightly decorated eggs associated with the Christian holiday, Easter.
Even though these eggs are synonymous with Easter, the tradition of painting eggs actually pre-dates Christianity. In many cultures eggs are a symbol of new life. They also symbolize fertility, rebirth and the beginning. For example, in Hindu scriptures, the world came from an egg.
In Christianity, the Easter egg is a symbol for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross. Eggs are also of importance because it is the first time Christians can eat eggs or meat after abstaining from eggs and meat during Lent.
In the 17th and 18th century, egg-shaped toys and cardboard/ plush eggs filled with gifts were given to kids during Easter. Chocolate Easter eggs were not produced until the early 19th century.
The first Cadbury Easter egg was created in 1875. The earliest eggs had a plain surface and were filled with sugar-coated chocolate drops. Later versions of the Easter eggs were decorated with piping and marzipan flowers.
Two popular Easter egg traditions are egg rolling and easter egg hunts. Easter egg hunts involve the “Easter bunny” hiding eggs which children then must find. Egg rolling often involves pushing eggs along the ground with wooden spoons. It represents the stone rolling away from Christ’s tomb. In America, an egg rolling event is held every year during Easter on the White House lawn.
We might not have actual Easter eggs, but we sure do have chocolate eggs. So come to our store and get some for your Easter celebrations. Share this post, comment below and have a happy Easter!
Sources:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/02/easter-eggs-history-origin-symbolism-tradition_n_1392054.html
https://www.cadbury.com.au/about-chocolate/the-story-of-easter-and-easter-eggs.aspx
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Easter/EasterEggs.aspx
Picture:
http://www.commdiginews.com/life/easter-traditions-natural-and-food-coloring-egg-dying-tips-38965/