Why Do We Hunt Eggs for Easter?

Easter celebrations have evolved from many time periods, cultures and religions. There are many customs associated with Easter that are still celebrated worldwide. These include hunting, tapping, rolling, coloring and eating Easter Eggs.

Easter Origins

Easter originates from the Saxon festival of Eastre, in 5th century AD, when spring was celebrated as a time of rebirth and fertility. Eggs and rabbits became symbols of this celebration.

Christian Adaptation

Christians adopted the egg as a symbol of Christ's resurrection. Eggs were eaten in the Easter meal to signify the end of Lenten fasting since animal products were not eaten during Lent.

Easter Games

One traditional Easter game is the rolling of raw eggs down a hill. The winner is the one who goes the farthest without breaking their egg. Egg tapping is another game where participants knock each other's eggs until only one winner is left with their egg unbroken.

Egg Hunting

Many cultures hunt eggs to symbolize a new life or good luck to the finder of the eggs. Another belief is that egg hunts originated in 17th century Europe when pagans were forced to hide their eggs to avoid being persecuted by Christians for practicing other religions.

Coloring Eggs

Coloring eggs may have originally celebrated sunlight and the bright colors of springtime. One Greek Orthodox legend says a Roman Emperor proclaimed he would believe in the resurrection of Jesus when his eggs turned red, prompting a miracle before his eyes.