"The solution is to be found through the sanctification of the parents. Become saints and you will have no problems with your children." Father Porphyrios , Wounded By Love

Friday, April 3, 2009

The Red Egg


Here's a look at the pious custom of red eggs in the Orthodox Church for you and your families to enjoy. Where did the tradition come from anyway? It seems there are a few possible answers to this question...of which I prefer to believe in the miracle that God worked through His handmaiden, Mary Magdalene (whom by the way is often wrongly attributed as the prostitute who anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair - See Orthodox Wiki for a well cited clarification).

Other symbolism, not as dogma, but as tradition includes:

*The egg as the new life in Christ through His resurrection

*Red for the color of our Lord's blood but also for His divinity

*The outer shell to be cracked as the doors of Hades are shattered

Since children enjoy decorating the eggs, why not encourage them to display their faith on them, as the picture shows! Be sure not to throw away any icons if you use them, but certainly include symbols like ~ icxc, fish, crosses, tree of life, the Trinity, 4 Greek Letters for Mother of God...etc

This worksheet is available in PDF format here

5 comments:

Pres. Kathy said...

Thanks for this - the kids always love the red eggs!

::Sylvia:: said...

This is fantastic! I can't wait to print a bunch of these out for the kids at our church. Thanks Elenie and hope you're having a blessed and fruitful Lent!

Patricia said...

What type of gold paint was used to decorate those gorgeous red eggs? ~ Patricia

Anonymous said...

Christ is Risen! Good job, Elenie! I am so happy for you and for me: I need all the rescourses I can for my two little girls.
God bless you,

Kakia

Elenie said...

Kakia...as in my Greek teacher? If this is you please send me an e-mail at "eleniemarie@gmail.com" so that we can share each other's news. I would love to hear from you. Filakia