Easter is in. And one cannot think about Easter without eggs. Yes, Easter eggs are invariably a part of the celebrations. And there is also the chocolate eggs hunt that happens during this time. Where did all this originate? What is the link between eggs and Easter? How chocolate eggs concept started?
Easter eggs: the history
Since ancient times, eggs stood for new life. Hence they are part of the pagan festivals that celebrate spring. And for those following Christian faith, Easter eggs means the re-emergence of Lord Jesus from the tomb and his resurrection.
And people decorate eggs during Easter. According to the History.com website, this tradition of decorating eggs began in the 13th century. The reason stated is that during Lent, eggs are a forbidden food item. Hence, during this time, people would paint them and also decorate them in order to mark the end of Lent fasting.
Easter eggs are an integral part of Easter celebrations (Source: The Spruce Eats)They would eat them at Easter celebrations. And Orthodox Christians paint the eggs red to imply the red blood that Jesus had shed onto the cross.
Chocolate eggs hunt and its history
It was from the European nations that the tradition of chocolate eggs began. The first nations to have chocolate in eggs form was Germany and France. Soon this tradition caught up in the UK and this practice continues to date there.
Also there is the traditional chocolate Easter egg hunt. Where did this originate from? The English Heritage website claims that this tradition started in the nation of Germany. There are suggestions that it commenced in the late 16th century. The Protestant reformer Martin Luther used to organize egg hunts for his congregation. And soon this tradition was picked up by other countries of the world and had remained an integral part of Easter festivities and fun.
Chocolate eggs hunt (Source: Cheryl’s cookies)The men would place the eggs in hiding and women and children would attempt to find them. This was as a similarity to the story wherein the tomb of Jesus that was empty was first discovered by the womenfolk.
Rolling of eggs down the hill?
There is also this Easter tradition wherein people with their families roll eggs down a hill. This is a symbolic gesture to imply the rolling away of the stone that was blocking the tomb of Jesus. It was after this that the Jesus resurrection occurred on Easter Sunday.
In the USA, the credit of rolling eggs goes to the First lady Lucy Hayes, the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes. She would invite women and kids to do this on the Monday after Easter Sunday at the White House. The first event happened in1878 at the lawn of the White House.
Eggs rolling at White House (Source: House Beautiful)Also, read Yuzu fruit: the Far Eastern citrus fruit with hoards of health benefits
Easter celebrations are festivities to mark the end of the period of fasting and penitence that takes place during Lent season. It is a joyful period. And it also is the day to commemorate the rebirth of Jesus three days after he was crucified and died. The earliest record of this celebration is the 2nd century. But it probably used to be done even prior to that.