Brief History of the Easter egg

Soon to be included in many of our shopping lists are Easter eggs. Those round delights of delicious chocolate we often gift to friends and family are already popping up in many of our local stores. Whilst we often get lost in the world of brands, price-tags, and designs of these wonderful treats, we often forget to ask about their origin - and perhaps even their significance. Heres a brief history of the Easter egg The egg: Most cultures around the world view the egg as a symbol of new life and rebirth, this belief stemmed from the ancient Egyptians, Persians, Phoenicians and Hindus who all believed the world began with an enormous egg. Hence, the egg has been seen as a symbol of new life and fertility for millennia. With the rise of Christianity in Western Europe, the church adopted many pagan customs and the egg, as a symbol of new life, came to represent the Resurrection. The Christian tradition held the belief that Easter eggs symbolise the empty tomb of Jesus. Though an egg appears to be like the stone of a tomb, a bird hatches from it with life. Similarly, the Easter egg, for Christians, is a reminder that Jesus rose from the grave, and that those who believe will also experience eternal life. These eggs were shared during Easter as a reminder of the resurrection amongst Christians. The Easter egg tradition is also said to have originated with the celebration of Lent. Historically, it was traditional to use up all of the household's eggs before Lent began in order for them not to spoil. Nonetheless, as during Lent, chickens would not stop producing eggs, a larger than usual store would be available at the end of the fast if the eggs had not been allowed to hatch. The surplus, if any, had to be eaten quickly to prevent spoiling. Then, with the coming of Easter, the eating of eggs resumed. The Colours: The practice of decorating eggshell is ancient, pre-dating Christian traditions. Ostrich eggs with engraved decoration that are 60,000 years old were been found in Africa. Decorated eggs were also common with the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians who placed it in graves. However, the custom of the Easter egg, originated with early Christians of Mesopotamia (Modern Iraq, Kuwait and Syria), who stained eggs red in memory of the blood of Christ, which was shed at his crucifixion.

Since then, this tradition has evolved and Easter eggs have become more ornate in their decorations and 'eggs' have been replaced by chocolate. Where did the chocolate then come from? As Easter eggs gained popularity, alternatives were being considered to replace the eggs which could spoil. The first sweet Easter eggs were made from sugar or marzipan. However, in the 19th Century, with France and Germany taking the lead, chocolate Easter eggs were made and because of their popularity, in many western countries, Easter eggs now predominantly made of chocolate. What do Easter eggs mean for us today? For many today, Easter eggs are simply a delicious treat which we share with each other during the Easter period. It has largely lost a lot its religious and traditional significance. However, it still plays an important role in our Easter celebrations with Easter egg hunts, Egg jarping (tapping an opponents' eggs until one breaks, until there is only one egg left in the competition) and egg rolling are ways in which we celebrate Easter.

In conclusion, perhaps in the hustle and bustle of trying to get the best bargains in our Easter shopping, we should consider its significance. And to leave you with a top tip get those Easter eggs now before they get pricey!

By Elizabeth Oladunni