The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1904-04-01
The Easter Egg
How 1t Came to Be the Symbol of the
Resurrection

eSgIrreCtion

Ever since the time of the ancient
Egyptians eggs have been regarded
as the symbols Of recreation This
idea originated among the subjects
Of the Phara0hs, from their close Oh
servance Of the habits OF the scarabs,
or sacred beetle, which buried its bali
in the grave it had made for itself,
in the hope, as they thought, Of q
| speedy resurrection. 1t never occurred
to them that the pellets contained
eggs, which in the fullness CT time
were brought to maturity by The
warmth Of the sun. When the in
sect appeared once more among them,
hey were conteGted to believe it was
the original one tkey had seen bury
itself in the same spCt, row brought
to life again by the sun god. So the
beetle was reverenced by them as q
sacred thing, because it gave them
hope Of a similar resurrection of their
mummifed bodies.
Among the ancient Egyptians every
colder was compelled to wear a ring.
upon which scarab. or sacred beetle,
was engraved. The object of this was
to make him valOrous in battle, the
scarab being the symbol OF regen-
Grafton or resurrection.
By the Jews the egg was looked
upon as a symbol of the duration OF
the human race, and Of their success
siye generations. 1t entered into all
the mysterious ceremonies called
apocalyptic, and occupied a prominent
position on the household table dur
ing the paschal season. The only |
food laid before mourners on return |
ing to the home after funeral con, |
sisted of hard-boiled eggs and salt. |
the symbols of regeneration and in
compatibility.
In accordance with the traditions
of the Persians, the world was
hatched from one egg in the begin,
ming, at the season of the year which
corresponds with the vernal equinox,
for which reason eggs are popularity
presented as New Year gifts by the
modern Persians. 1t was from this
custom that the northern nations |
came to regard the paschal eggs as
of creation, or the re-
of spring at the verral
equinox.
When Christianity usurped the
pagan rites and observances of the
Saxons, the paschal eggs were in
rested with new significance, name
y, that of the resurrection of Christ
These eggs were at first colored red,
n allusion to the blood shed for the |
alvation of men.
Gradually the Easter-egg custom
as become universal over tne world
billions Of people eat their Easter
ggs on this great festival day, cele-
rated in remembrance of resurrec-
ion, but only very few are acCuaint-
d with the origin of the custom The
ggs are not now painted red only.
ut they are dyed all possible bright
olors. Also, notices are written
n the shells. In European countries
undredS of artists are occupied pre- {
airing Easter-egg shells for sale t
hese shells show on their outside i
aintings of landscapes, figures and a
ven portraits. Imitation eggs are v
Ow manufactured, which are to be b
pened, and which lovers present to {
ach other, having made them more
recious by putting in jewelry. etc b
nd when couple is married al Fl
astertide, in Germany, the wedding b
ngs are presented in the shells CT 7
aster eggs. e
In most of the German cities bands fl
musicians walk through the streets e,
'rforlaing the so-called Easter. ci
psic." When they stop in frcnt OF Il