Easter eggs

The use of painted and decorated Easter eggs was first recorded in the 13th century. Britannica Scholars: Easter The church prohibited the eating of eggs during Holy Week, but chickens continued to lay eggs during that week, and the notion of specially identifying those as "Holy Week" eggs brought about their decoration. Britannica Scholars: Easter

The egg itself became a symbol of the Resurrection: just as Jesus rose from the tomb, the egg symbolizes new life emerging from the eggshell. Britannica Scholars: Easter In the Orthodox tradition eggs are painted red to symbolize the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Britannica Scholars: Easter

The egg was a widely used premodern and pre-Christian symbol of fertility and restoration. Britannica Scholars: Easter eggs The tradition of dyeing and decorating Easter eggs is ancient, and its origin is obscure, but it has been practiced in both the Eastern Orthodox and the Western churches since the Middle Ages. Britannica Scholars: Easter eggs

Since the 12th century the Lenten fast has ended on Easter with meals including eggs, ham, cheeses, bread, and sweets that have been blessed for the occasion. Britannica Scholars: Easter

First lady Lucy Hayes, the wife of Pres. Rutherford B. Hayes, is often credited with sponsoring the first annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn, in 1878. Britannica Scholars: Easter In the United States, the White House Easter Egg Roll has been held, with some interruptions, on the Monday following Easter since 1878. Britannica Scholars: Easter eggs

Some historical records note that the Hayes first opened the White House lawn to egg rolling festivities the following year, in 1877, after a young boy asked President Hayes directly for permission to use the space. Britannica Scholars: Easter