The Easter egg - a symbol of regeneration, purification and eternity

The egg, an important element of Easter holidays, is a symbol of regeneration, purification and eternity, being itself life bearer. Christian legends link the symbol of red colored eggs to Christ’s sufferings - when Jesus was hit with stones, these ones transforming into red eggs after touching Him. Other legend tells about Holy Maria who, coming to see her Son crucified, brought some eggs, which were covered with blood under the cross. There is also a story about Sadducee scholars and Pharisee rabbis who celebrated the Jesus’ crucifixion at special supper. One of them said: "When the cock that we eat now comes back to life and the boiled eggs become red, than Christ will revive". He did not even end the sentence the eggs got red. The colors used to decorate the Easter eggs have a certain symbol, red symbolizes blood, sun, fire, love and happiness; yellow means life, youth, happiness, crop, hospitality; green – hope, nature regeneration, freshness, fertility; blue – the sky, health, vitality; violet - self-control, patience, justice trust; and black - absolutism, steadiness, eternity. In Romanian popular tradition, Easter eggs have miraculous powers - they cure diseases, protect animals of the household, and are helpful in different situations.