We may never completely be able to grasp in entirety the meaning of the popular ‘Easter Eggs’ but they are also called Paschal eggs which are eggs that are sometimes decorated and are often used as gifts on the occasion of Easter.
The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs wrapped in coloured foil, hand-carved wooden eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as chocolate.
The link between the reason for the season and eggs has been defined in various ways. “Use of eggs at Easter seems to have come from Persia into the Greek Christian Churches of Mesopotamia, thence to Russia and Siberia through the medium of Orthodox Christianity. From the Greek Church the custom was adopted by either the Roman Catholics or the Protestants and then spread through Europe.” Sociology professor Kenneth Thompson said.
Generally speaking, eggs symbolise fertility but for Christianity, some have said the Easter eggs are said to symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus, from which Jesus resurrected.
For me, the season is beyond the eggs, it is about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christians, it is a time to reflect on the reason for the season, a time a He died and rose after three days, a time Christians appreciate the privilege of being ‘born again’, meaning dead to sin and rising in victory to a new life free from sin and condemnation.
For many Christians, Easter is the reason for hope for eternity because a new life begins once you become a ‘new-creation’ as old things are passed away.
For others, it is a commemoration of faith as many fast for 40 days (Lent) and end it during Easter the period. Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, before Easter Sunday. The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and denial of ego.
To many, it is a time to rest, “The thought of not going to work on Friday and Monday is so refreshing and honestly, I love the long holiday as it includes the weekend too” a senior executive in the financial sector stated.
Beyond the break and time to rest, we must not forget what the season depicts. It is a time for reflection, restitution and hope.
Here is wishing you all a Happy Easter and a refreshing holiday!
Kemi Ajumobi
