The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM (FESTIVAL)

ON EASTER, ALWAYS MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS ON A BLESSED EGG BEFORE
EATING.

Data entry tech comment: THE EGG IS PERHAPS THE STRONGEST SYMBOL OF THE EASTER SEASON. THE
CUSTOM HAS ITS ORIGINS IN ANCIENT FERTILITY LORE. IN PRE-CHRISTIAN
TIMES THE EGG WAS GIVEN AS A GIFT TO CELEBRATE THE "DEAD" OF WINTER
AWAKENING INTO SPRING (AS THE SEEMINGLY DEAD EGG BECAME A CHICK).
IT IS NOW GIVEN AND EATEN WITH THE SAME THOUGHT IN MIND--THE
AWAKENING OF A NEW CHRISTIAN/SPIRITUAL LIFE.

Where learned: HOME

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: 10-00-1968