ALT-2 The Origin of Easter Eggs
It's a well know fact Peter Cotton Tail didn't originate the Easter egg. He wasn't a gleam in the whole scheme of Easter eggs, when the egg came on the scene. So the question is (What is the Origin of Easter Eggs?).
People all over the world have been using the egg in celebration for centuries. The Romans, Persians, Chinese, and Gaul considered the egg as a symbol rebirth and the universe. The Easter egg was around long before Christianity. Easter egg exchanging is a custom that goes back thousands of years.
Pagans used the egg as a symbol of the rebirth of the earth in spring celebrations, early Christians adopted the egg as a symbol of the rebirth. Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Christ was suited and merged with Pagan feast of Eostre.
In researching the origin of Easter Eggs, I have found, it dates back many generation, and is a part of all cultures. It is widely used as a symbol of new life, as when a chick hatches out a new life begins. Pope Gregory the Great implemented the use of old religious sites and festivals, and merged them into Christian rituals where possible. The Christian believing in the Resurrections of Christ was adopted and merged with the Pagan feast of Eostre.
The egg is used in the Jewish Passover Seder, dipped in salt water symbolizes the Passover sacrifice offered at the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Christian symbols of the egg is represents the grave and resurrected by breaking out of the tomb.
It is my belief, that the Easter Egg begin as a pagan celebration thousands of years ago, and has evolved in what is know today as a joyous celebration for Christian as well as non Christians of the world. To me the egg has nothing to do with the resurrected Christ, but it is part of the celebration of the resurrected Christ at Easter.
All throughout history for thousands of years the egg or Easter egg has been a symbol or rebirth, breaking out, the beginning of new life. It predates Christianity, so therefore it begin as an exchange and later merged with Christianity as representing the resurrected Christ. Easter and Christmas are the two most celebrated holidays of the year, both are associated with Christ, an the exchange of gifts.
Our Easter bunny has had a hard act to follow, but the Easter egg, for the American children wouldn't be the same without him, and all the colored eggs, and chocolate candy he brings, as he comes hopping down his bunny trail.
