GOLDSMITH'S ART - Faberge' Eggs

Thus, from the very first century of Christianity, colored eggs have always been the symbol of Jesus' Resurrection and, with it, a purification in the name of a new, better life to the believers in God the Son. The eggs' red color has symbolized Christ's blood and at the same time was the symbol of the Resurrection. By giving each other Easter eggs, Christians profess the faith in their Resurrection. Once it was customary to give away an egg as a simple, little offering to pagan gods, to give eggs to friends and benefactors—on the first day of the New Year and on birthday. Rich people, instead of painted chicken eggs, often offered golden or gilded eggs, symbolizing the Sun.

The celebration of Easter in Russia was introduced in the late 10th century. Orthodox Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the spring equinox and March full moon. Easter in Russia was accompanied by ceremonies that came from pagan times but now consecrated by the Light of Christ.

Easter coincides with the time when spring comes. By this day, as a sign of blossom, boiled eggs used to be painted in different colors from time immemorial. Easter in Russia has always had a universal, comprehensive nature. The Great Day was a church celebration, a ritual, human happiness, etc. Every nation has its own holidays, but among them there is a principal one. In Russia, such has for centuries been Holy Easter.

The tradition of giving and receiving painted eggs on Easter has existed in Russia from time immemorial. Once, in the reign of Czar Alexis (1645-1676), some 37,000 eggs were prepared by Easter to be given out. Along with natural (chicken, swan, goose, pigeon, and duck) painted eggs, there were carved and painted wooden and bone ones.