Easter egg origins are based in pre-Christian practices. Few people know that colored eggs are part of a crossover Pagan tradition. Eggs have been considered to be a symbol of fertility and rebirth across many different ancient civilizations.

Ancient Roots
The Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Gauls and Babylonians have considered the egg to be sacred. In Babylonian folklore, a large egg fell from heaven into the Euphrates River. The egg hatched, and Queen Astarte, the Babylonian queen of the heavens, was born.

In many South American traditions, the world was created from an egg. A Latin proverb states Omne vivum ex ovo, or “All life comes from an egg.” It’s easy to see that the egg is important to many different cultures around the world.

Pagan and Christian Influences
The first recordings of eggs being used for springtime festivals are in Pre-Christian Europe. Pagans across Northern Europe placed colored eggs on their altars at the vernal equinox. The eggs were colored with bright hues to symbolize the flowers that were sprouting from the ground. They also symbolize birth, since animal and human life sprout from eggs.

When Christians adapted Pagan traditions to increase conversions, the symbolism of the egg changed slightly. The eggs still represented rebirth, but, instead of the rebirth of the earth after the cold winter months, they represented the rebirth of Christ. The eggs became symbols for the tomb that Jesus was placed in after his crucifixion.

There are also legends that tell of a connection between eggs and Mary Magdalene. According to some traditions, Mary Magdalene presented a red egg to the Roman Emperor. The red color represented the blood that Christ shed, and the egg represented new life through his resurrection. Mary preached to the emperor about Christ and his rebirth.

Easter Eggs Today
This symbolism is reflected in the many games and activities that are planned with children during Easter celebrations. Egg rolls are common in the United States, England and Germany. This game represents the rock rolling away from the tomb of Christ on Easter morning. According to American political lore, First Lady Dolley Madison organized an egg roll at the Capitol building in the early 19th century. Today, the event is still held in Washington, DC, but the rolling takes place at the White House.