×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Saturday
18
Jul 2026
weather symbol
Athens 30°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Culture

Why do Greeks dye eggs red on Maundy Thursday?

The red color symbolizes the blood of Jesus and the egg symbolizes the tomb of Jesus, which was broke in pieces like a shell and Jesus resurrected

Newsroom April 17 12:48

Δείτε περισσότερα άρθρα μας στα αποτελέσματα αναζήτησης

Add Protothema.gr on Google

One of the most popular traditions of Easter is red eggs and the dyeing should be done on Maundy Thursday.

Although, many people choose nowadays to dye eggs with different colors and use various styles, the truth is that if we want to follow tradition, we must use red color as it symbolizes the blood of Jesus. The egg symbolizes the tomb in which Jesus was hiding and broke in pieces when Jesus resurrected.

>Related articles

Maro Kontou: Last farewell to the great lady of Greek cinema (video-photos)

Alexander the Great: Uzbekistan proposes joint film and exhibition with Greece on the Macedonian conqueror

Archaeological and National cadastre systems join forces to protect and promote cultural heritage

However, there are different theories about the choice of red color. One of them says that when Jesus was arrested, his mother, Virgin Mary, offered a basket of eggs to the guards and her tears dyed the eggs red.

Regarding the clinking of eggs, it is said to have started in England as a game.

According to tradition, the first egg being dyed in each home is for Virgin Mary and should be kept in an icon corner (a small worship space prepared in homes) until next Easter. Then, this egg is planted in the fields on next year’s Maundy Thursday. This way it is said that the fields will become fertile.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

> More Culture

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

The Odyssey is reshaping the film industry – Record Box Office, winning companies and stocks

July 18, 2026

72-hour heatwave: Which areas will be hit, where temperatures could reach 43°C, according to Tsatrafyllias

July 18, 2026

The body found in a suitcase in Kypseli belongs to a woman: It is in an advanced state of decomposition; she was wearing shorts

July 18, 2026

Body found inside suitcase in Kypseli

July 18, 2026

Protothema Sports: Today’s show features Grigoriou, Mavroeidis and Kiamos

July 18, 2026

Historic photo: 19 years ago Messi bathed baby Yamal — Tomorrow they’ll face each other in the World Cup Final

July 18, 2026

Rena Dourou elected SYRIZA parliamentary group leader with 7 of 8 votes

July 18, 2026

First heatwave of the summer set to bring temperatures of up to 42°C as cities become “heat traps”

July 18, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα