Why Greeks Crack Red Eggs on Easter
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Loading... - Nessa Smith
- 19 Apr 2023
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Greeks have been cracking red eggs at Easter for many centuries. The tradition, although it is also a fun game, is of course steeped in religious symbolism, as well.
Despite this deep religious meaning, egg cracking has evolved into a fun tradition for the faithful of all ages in Greece and beyond, which many look forward to each Easter.
Traced back to the early Christians of Mesopotamia, the custom of painting eggs red—in memory of the blood of Christ shed at His crucifixion—spread into Eastern Europe and Siberia through the Orthodox Churches, and later into Western Europe through the Catholic and Protestant Churches.
However, the tradition evolved across Europe, with people from many different cultures, especially those in Eastern Europe, painting elaborate, multi-colored Easter eggs.
The Greek tradition of red Easter eggs has deep religious significance
In Greece, dying eggs red, symbolizing Christ’s blood, has held strong throughout the millennia as an Easter tradition.
The egg in itself is a symbol, as its hard shell represents the sealed tomb of Jesus—the cracking of which symbolizes His resurrection from the dead and exit from the tomb.
Due to its religious significance, the egg serves as an emblem of the resurrection, and its decorated Easter variations are globally recognized as a symbol of the most special day on the Christian calendar—Easter, the event that sealed the promise for eternal life. Read More…
