Easter Eggs

Image Source: makezine.com

There is a lot of speculation over the source of why Eggs are so widely sold, and eaten at Easter.
Much of which is purely based on rumour and fiction, rather then fact.

In fact, the actual source is widely disputed, and there is no basis of a real answer to the question;
Nor is there a real answer as to when they were first sold and eaten.

The original colour for Easter Eggs was actually red, with a strange tale behind it.

After the Ascension of Christ, Mary supposedly went to the Emperor of Rome and greeted him with “Christ is risen,”
whereupon he pointed to an egg on his table and stated, “Christ has not risen no more than that egg is red.”
After making this statement it is said the egg immediately turned blood red.

The tale however has very little creditability since such a minor disciple in those days
Would have little chance to actually meet the Roman Emperor...

Red Eggs are more commonly referred to as "Pace Eggs", which are basically eggs wrapped in onion skin then boiled.
Boiling the egg is a long tradition back as far as the middle ages, as it helps to preserve the egg which can then be eaten hot or cold.

The egg itself  is widely used as a symbol of new life just as a chick might hatch from the egg.
Some also view the egg as a symbol of resurrection as while dormant it contains a new life within.

This in itself links with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, for which Easter is more commonly celebrated for.
Christ died after been literately nailed to the cross, however shortly after this time his lifeless body was moved to a small cave,
which was then sealed with a huge circular stone, he then was resurrected three days later,
and emerged from the cave like a chick from the egg shell.

Now, in regards to the Easter Bunny this is a tradition that has grown over many years mostly through rumour.
The Pagan Goddess, Eostre, who gives her name to the festival of Easter, is commonly associated with Eggs and Hares.

Folklore confusion between where Hares raised their young and that of Plovers nests may have
given raise to the belief of the Easter Bunny,The confusion would have lead people to believe the Hares actually had Eggs in their nests ..
Giving raise to the term Easter, relating to the Eggs, and Bunny, been related to the Hare (or Rabbit) family.

Of course as with a lot of history from the middle ages and in times long passed, much of what we know is down to stories,
Legends and speculation. Over time as stories are retold people may misinterpret the story and tell it wrong,
However it is from such communication over the years that have lead to the stories we know today,
Although some are also changed through commercialism...

For which as an example Santa Clause was originally portrayed with a Green Suit,
but this was changed to Red by the Coka Cola company ...

© Therian