Easter eggs – A unique way to celebrate Easter

Easter eggs – Symbolic representation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion

Easter eggs and Easter bunnies form a part of Easter celebrations though Indians are not familiar with it. Yet now they are gaining popularity in Indian subcontinent in the recent times. It is still unknown who has started this strange custom of making attractive Easter eggs and disperse them; also when have people started believing that finding Easter eggs hidden in living room or courtyard or seeing decorated Easter bunny brings a lot of prosperity, luck and safety to their kid’s life. Easter eggs are often seen as symbolic representation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion and hence Christian nominated countries can’t even imagine an Easter celebration without Easter eggs.

Easter eggs in Gold and silver – Distributed by rulers of England

From 16th century onwards, rulers of England used to disperse Easter eggs made of rice and sugar. In 16th century Emperor Fredrick Thomson and in 17th century Solomon Smith of England used to give importance to Easter eggs. When Fredrick Thomson used to hide gold coins in Easter eggs distributed to all who attend church prayers on Easter occasion, Solomon Smith used to give golden Easter eggs as prize after competitions held on that auspicious occasion. Henry V111 used to make silver Easter eggs and distribute among his subjects. He reserved an amount every year solely for that purpose.

Practices among common man

Not only rulers, but normal people too used to exchange Easter eggs from ancient time. But it differs according to each person’s creativity and imagination. If Easter eggs are made using chicken or duck’s eggs, they used to dry them after the celebrations. Then they powder it and store them for future; they believed that it’s an effective medicine for all sort of diseases.

In India, the palm leaves got on Hosanna Sunday are burnt and powdered and kept as medicine to give to patients. It’s believed that this powder if mixed with water and given to patients, it works as a medicine. In some regions, Easter eggs prepared using rice flour and sugar is powdered and used as magic medicine for ailments.

Easter eggs are given as presents and used for decorative purposes

They serve both purposes – distribute as gifts and for decoration. Churches and homes are often decorated with gigantic Easter eggs made of paper, gold, silver or brass. In some countries, sports like making big Easter eggs and rolling from hill tops are practised during the auspicious occasion of Easter. The person who rolls maximum Easter eggs without breaking will be given prizes.

Easter eggs of different colours and sizes are available in European countries days before the celebration begins. Usually such eggs are made using sugar and chocolates. Hence kids love them most. Though people make Easter eggs in different sizes and colours according to their imagination, Russians’ Easter eggs have an artistic look. They use to decorate Easter eggs using beautiful pictures of angels, Mary and Jesus.

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