The origins of the Easter Egg. What do chocolate eggs represent for us Christians?

If we talk about Easter, it is likely that the first thing that comes to mind are chocolate eggs. This sweet delicacy is given as a gift during this holiday and not only for its religious significance for Christians. In fact, theEaster egg it has a long history and a profound meaning that goes beyond simple gluttony.

chocolate egg

The egg has always been a symbol of life in many cultures and religions. In fact, it represents birth, rebirth and creation of the world. For the Christians, in particular, the egg symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and the new life which originates from his death and resurrection. The egg, apparently inert and lifeless, holds the promise of a new life which is about to hatch.

What does the Easter egg represent in various traditions

This symbolism is taken up by many other ancient cultures, such as Egyptians, Greeks, Hindus and Chinese, who associated the egg withorigin of the cosmos and the creation of life. In many traditions, the egg was considered an object magical and sacred, symbol of fertility and rebirth.

painted eggs

In Christian tradition, the custom of decorating and giving eggs during Easter has ancient roots. The eggs came painted red to symbolize the blood of Christ and decorated with crosses and other religious symbols. In the Middle Ages, it was common to exchange colored and decorated chicken and duck eggs during the Easter holidays.

As time has passed, the tradition of chocolate eggs has become more and more widespread. The first chocolate eggs came produced at the end of the 19th century and have since conquered the the heart of adults and children. Today, chocolate eggs of all shapes and sizes can be found on the market, made both handcrafted than industrially.

Not only chocolate eggs, but also decorated and painted eggs are still given as gifts in many cultures during Easter. In some countries, like those orthodox, the custom of cooking and coloring eggs is still preferred of hen in a natural way, using ingredients such as onion peels, tea leaves and spices.