April 21, 2003

Resurrection and red eggs

Dying easer eggs has always been a part of my American Easter culture, although I never really understand the significance of this particular Easter symbol. It was only since I have been in Romania that I have learned the profound significance of colored eggs.

A traditional food served at a Jewish Seder, or Passover meal, is roasted eggs. The eggs represent the new life given to the Israelis after the Passover. In fact, many cultures see the egg as a symbol for new life. Very early in Christian history (I do not know when) Christians began to dye the eggs red, to symbolize the blood of Jesus. The egg itself does not mean new life; it is being covered by the blood of Jesus, which gives new life. Therefore, the red egg is a profound symbol of the Resurrection. In Romania, on Maundy Thursday everyone dyes eggs red, because this was the day Jesus bled. They are not eaten until Easter morning. Eggs are forbidden in the Orthodox fast, as are all animal products. The first food eaten to break the fast on Easter morning are red eggs. When you approach someone, you smash your eggs together and one person says, “Hristos e inviat” and the other person responds “Adeverat, e inviat.” This means “Jesus is risen,” and “Indeed, he is risen.” People say this as a greeting until Pentecost, instead of good morning, good day etc.

Over the years the red eggs began to be decorated with intricate Christian symbols. In our American culture, the religious symbols and real significance of dyeing eggs have dropped away and we are left with dyed eggs, candy eggs, and Easter egg hunts replete with the Easter bunny. The Bunny has not yet made inroads here. Instead, baskets full of red eggs are kept on tables so when guests come, you can smash your egg and say "Christ is risen," and "Yes, He is risen indeed."

In Romania, Easter Sunday is only the first day of Easter, the second and third days are equally important, and everyone has a holiday for at least these three days of Easter, if not the week before and after. The week before Holy Week is used for major spring-cleaning. You wash everything during this week, curtains, rugs, clothes, windows etc. The cleaning takes on religious significance, as we clean out all our dirty habits and get a fresh start. Beginning Palm Sunday, during Holy Week, no cleaning or work is allowed. This week is used for fasting and praying. The week after Easter is used for celebrating the resurrection. After fasting for Lent, food takes on a new appreciation.

As my friends in America celebrate Easter today, we are a week behind in the Orthodox World and we are just beginning Holy Week. I am writing several devotionals for Holy Week, and will send them to you, as a reminder of our new life after the resurrection.

Happy Easter

The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page 93