Why are Easter eggs dyed red? The symbolism and meaning of the tradition of Christian believers!

For Orthodox Christians, one of the oldest Easter traditions is dyeing eggs red.

Eggs symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus, which was raised after his crucifixion, and have been used as a universal means of presentation for Christian believers, while also foreshadowing the eternal experience of life that awaits true believers after death.

A symbol of fertility and immortality among all nations and eras of human civilization, the egg appears to be empty inside, but life spreads when a bird hatches from it.

According to pagan tradition, the creation of the world is in an egg, which was broken into two halves, one forming the sky and the other the earth.

Why are Easter eggs dyed red?

Red is the color of life and victory. The custom of the Easter egg originated among the early Christians of Mesopotamia, for whom the red egg was made in memory of the precious blood of Christ. Most stories associate the red of Easter eggs with Mary Magdalene or even with other women.

Magdalene went to Rome to preach the Gospel and when she appeared before Emperor Tiberius, she offered him a red egg, saying: “Christ is risen!”

Tiberius, who was skeptical of the woman's claims, told Magdalene that if she had told the truth, then his eggs would turn red. At this point the egg turned blood red, and thus began her preaching.

The Russian Monastery of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem has a large fresco depicting her presenting a red egg to the Roman emperor.

A second story says that the Virgin Mary offered Roman soldiers a basket full of eggs so that they would treat her son better. As she was praying for him, her tears fell on the eggs and turned them red.

A variation of the story says that an unknown woman, who did not believe the news of Christ's resurrection, said that she would only believe it when she held them until they turned red and miraculously, the eggs changed.

According to tradition, eggs are dyed on Maundy Thursday by the oldest member of the family. Before dyeing, the woman of the house lights a candle and makes a cross with the words: God willing, we will wait for the red egg again! The first egg is necessarily dyed red and the lips of children and young brides are wiped with it, so that they are healthy, beautiful and protected from the evil eye. The red Easter egg is placed in every home, to bring health and well-being. The first meal begins with it, the first red egg is eaten after the long fast.

People believe that these eggs can last for 40 days outside the refrigerator without spoiling. Furthermore, if the priest blesses the egg on Holy Thursday, Easter Sunday, then it can last for another year without spoiling.