An Orthodox tradition related with Pascha celebrations is the presenting of red colored eggs to friends while giving Pascha greetings. According to a tradition after the Ascension of Christ, Mary Magdalene went to the Emperor of Rome to appeal against Pontius Pilate, and greeted him with “Christ is risen”, whereupon he stated, “Christ has not risen no more than that egg is red” (pointing to an egg on his table). After making this statement it is said the egg immediately turned blood red.
The egg is symbolic of the grave and life renewed by breaking out of it. The red symbolizes the blood of Christ redeeming the world, represented by the egg, and our regeneration through the bloodshed for us by Christ. The egg itself is a symbol of the Resurrection while being dormant it contains a new life sealed within it.
The Orthodox tradition wants eggs to be dyed red on Holy Thursday.
