ASIDE from the cross, the humble egg is the most recognisable symbol of Easter.
Eggs have been associated with Easter for centuries, symbolising fertility and new life. Hard-boiled and then dyed or decorated before being given as a gift is the traditional Easter egg, though chocolate eggs are now more common.
Here are ten facts about Easter eggs which you might not have known:
1. Egyptians and Persians used to dye eggs in spring coluors and give them to friends as a symbol of renewed life.
2. After being coloured and etched with various designs, eggs have also been exchanged by lovers and romantic admirers, much the same as Valentine's Day.
3. In Germany, eggs are dyed green on Maundy Thursday, while in Greece the traditional colour is red to represent the blood of Christ.
4. In Mexico, children actually smash eggs over each other's heads! Fortunately, these eggs are filled with small pieces of paper rather than raw egg.
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5. Egg rolling is supposed to symbolise the stone being rolled away from the tomb where Jesus was laid.
6. In medieval times eggs were traditionally given at Easter to the servants.
7. The tallest Easter egg was recorded in South Africa in 1996. It was 7.65 metres (25 feet) tall and weighed 4,068 kilos. The marshmallow and chocolate egg was supported by an internal steel frame.
8. The largest Easter egg hunt took place in Australia in 1999 when 150,000 chocolate eggs were hidden by troops and found by 3,000 children.
9. The first chocolate Easter eggs were made in Europe in the early 19th century, with France and Germany leading the way.
10. About 80 million Easter eggs were eaten in the UK last year, as well as almost 500 million cream eggs.
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