Image: EVA MANHART (APA)
The old customs are partly of pagan origin. The gift of colored eggs can be traced back to the “ancient Chinese”. The hare, in turn, appears in Egyptian mythology.
- Also read: 10 records about Easter eggs
The egg is an ancient fertility symbol, the origin of life, being and becoming. Furthermore, it has always been interest in kind. As early as 5,000 BC. Colorfully painted eggs were eaten at the spring festival. Until the 15th century, “Easter eggs” were also understood to mean “interest eggs to be delivered by Easter”. The chicken product has been used in its current sense since the 16th century. Popular belief also attributed the eggs laid on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday to warding off evil and giving blessings. Decorated Easter eggs were first mentioned in 1615.
Easter candle, blessings and praise
The custom of blessing food at Easter – incorrectly called consecration of meat – is particularly popular in Austria, Bavaria and South Tyrol. It can be traced back to the 7th century. Foods such as meat and eggs, the consumption of which was forbidden in the strict medieval fasting regulations, gained special meaning and power in popular belief through the Easter blessing. Today this custom can have the meaning of building a bridge between the altar and the domestic table, between the sacred and the profane.
- On the subject: What is the Easter fire all about?
The custom of a special Easter candle, liturgical praise in the Easter Vigil celebration and at the same time offering and blessing, first appeared in Piacenza in 384. This symbol of the risen Christ acquired its current shape and design over the centuries. A cross is written in wax on the front, above which the first (Alpha) and last (Omega) letters of the Greek alphabet can be read. The Easter candle is lit at every service and at every baptism until the Feast of the Ascension of Christ.
The rabbit as an “egg bringer”
Children’s favorite creature is that of the Easter Bunny. It is also considered a symbol of fertility and appears in Egyptian mythology. The idea of the rabbit as an Easter “egg bringer” was first documented in Germany in the 17th century. In Byzantium it is even said to have been a sign of Christ in the Middle Ages. Assuming that the hare slept with his eyes open, he was compared to the resurrected one who had not fallen asleep in death.
- Also read: Bizarre Easter customs around the world
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Source: Nachrichten
