The term 'Easter' has its roots in the pagan cultures which stand for ancient polytheistic religions. Original Christian scriptures never mentioned the term 'Easter' neither was it ever associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter as a symbol of Christ's resurrection is a very recent phenomenon in the history of Christianity. Eggs have stood as a symbol of fertility for ages unknown.
If we try to trace the Easter egg origin then we will find that it even had significance in the Roman spring festivals and feasts. Salted hardboiled eggs have existed even in Jewish traditions. Even the word 'Easter' is derived from the name of an Anglo-Saxon Goddess by the name of 'Eastre'. In ancient times, vernal equinox was the time to honor Eastre, the Goddess of Spring.
About the origin of the Easter egg in Christianity, it is said that Mary Magdalene went to the court of the Roman Emperor with a red egg after Christ had risen from his grave. She gave him the red egg, the red color of which stood for the blood shed by the Christ for the redemption of the world. Mary Magdalene told him that Christ has risen, and preached Christianity to him. Thus, the egg came to represent the resurrection of the Christ.
Many people who celebrate Easter are not aware of the Easter egg origin. According to ancient Babylonian legends, a huge egg fell into the Euphrates River from heaven and Goddess Astarte or Easter came out of it. So the egg became a symbol of the Goddess and a sacred symbol in the Babylonian civilization. There are innumerous interesting stories about the Easter egg origin. One just has to be curious enough to find them out! Surf the pages of Christmas Carnivals for more exciting information on Easter egg.
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