×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Saturday
08
Aug 2026
weather symbol
Athens 29°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

Aristotle’s Gardens come to life again in Halkidiki, against the backdrop of Mount Olympus (Photos)

Traditional Greek Taverna becomes a LEGO set, complete with a bouzouki, bougainvillea & a cat (photos)

Renowned Greek singer Dimitris Xanthakis dies

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

Trump appeals to the Supreme Court over ruling blocking White House ballroom construction

August 7, 2026

Chapel vandalized in Saronikos, sanctuary also damaged – See photos

August 7, 2026

Who’s next for a Data Center? €50 billion in investments over the next decade

August 7, 2026

Housing allowance granted to 1,120 University of Thessaly students in Volos, Larissa, Trikala, Karditsa and Lamia

August 7, 2026

Three maritime flashpoints on high alert: Explosions in the Strait of Hormuz, new attacks in Yemen, and commercial ships hit near Odesa

August 7, 2026

From Ukraine’s “training ground” to Colombia’s Cartels: Rebels & gang members are learning drone warfare

August 7, 2026

Red Code Alert for Crete, Chios, Samos & Ikaria on Saturday – Very high fire risk

August 7, 2026

US to pay German energy company $1.2 billion to abandon offshore wind farm project

August 7, 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