Why do we have Easter eggs? Early origins and symbolism throughout history explained
Spring is upon us, and many of us will have already started looking forward to Easter celebrations.
Whether you love spoiling your family with giant chocolate treats or gathering around to try decorating shells during a traditional crafting session, Easter eggs are usually part and parcel of the festivities.
But how many of us actually consider where Easter eggs come from? As many of you will know, the celebration of eggs at Easter has a long and storied history dating back to the Bible and Pagan times before that.
But it's not just their biblical roots that are interesting — Easter eggs have taken on many meanings throughout key periods, such as the medieval and Victorian eras.
In the medieval period, for example, eating eggs was thought to be forbidden during Lent, so on Easter Sunday, eating an egg when Lent finally finished at Easter was a big occasion.
Why do we have Easter eggs?
So why do we have Easter eggs? Despite them being a delicious treat to enjoy on Easter Sunday, this is how the Easter egg tradition began and how it has evolved throughout the ages.
Early origins
The tradition of Easter eggs dates back to Pagan times, when the egg was seen as an ancient symbol of new life.
Easter is usually within a month of the Spring Equinox (this year, it's Thursday, 20th March 2025, and Easter is a month later on Sunday, 20th April). This time of year signals the end of winter and the beginning of the new season cycle, starting with spring.
During Pagan times, it was thought they were a symbol to celebrate the pagan goddess Eostre, who represents nature's rebirth at this time of year. Eggs would be buried and eaten to mark the occasion.
Easter eggs in Christianity
Easter eggs are famously symbolic in Christianity, which ties in with the origins of Easter itself. The egg represents new life and rebirth, following the same themes as in the bible when Jesus is said to have risen from the dead after crucifixion.
The empty shell of an egg is thought to represent Jesus' tomb and, when cracked, his resurrection.
Christians also aren't meant to eat eggs during Lent, leading to the egg being seen as a treat and a symbol of indulgence. Easter Sunday was and is typically seen as a day to feast with foods prohibited during the Lent period.
A less common Orthodox tradition was that eggs were (and still are) dyed red to symbolize Jesus' bloodshed on the cross.
Later meanings of the Easter Egg
Since biblical times, plenty more traditions around Easter eggs have emerged. 'Pace eggs' were a popular tradition in the 18th century in Lancashire, where hard-boiled hen, duck, or goose eggs were decorated with patterns and dyed bright colours.
These eggs were also used in a game called an 'egg roll' where the eggs are raced, often down a hill. This tradition continues to this day in some parts of the UK.
It's only quite a recent development that the Easter eggs that have been present throughout history were created in chocolate form.
The first chocolate egg in England was sold by Fry’s in 1873. Chocolate powerhouse Cadbury’s quickly created its own version, selling the first iteration of the chocolate eggs many of us enjoy to this day in 1875.
60cm Oversized Pre Lit Spring Flower Wreath
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Feather Egg And Twig Wreath
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