On this page we’ve collected those Red Egg-related myths and legends submitted by audience and company members. Know of a cultural tradition or story involving a red egg? Send it to us at redeggtheater@gmail.com.
Mary Magdalene and the Red Egg – Eastern Orthodox
The Eastern tradition tells us that after the Ascension she journeyed to Rome where she was admitted to the court of Tiberius Caesar because of her high social standing. After describing how poorly Pilate had administered justice at Jesus’ trial, she told Caesar that Jesus had risen from the dead. To help explain his resurrection she picked up an egg from the dinner table. Caesar responded that a human being could no more rise from the dead than the egg in her hand turn red. The egg turned red immediately, which is why red eggs have been exchanged at Easter for centuries in the Byzantine East.
Red Egg Parties – China
In Chinese culture, a baby’s first month birthday calls for a celebration where the baby’s name is announced. Guests bring gifts of money in red envelopes, and in return parents hand out red-dyed eggs to guests which symbolize happiness and the renewal of life.
Krasnaja Gorka – Sunday after Easter
The name of this holiday means “beautiful” or “red” hillock. A woman holds a red egg and round loaf of bread facing East and sings a Spring song. Afterward, a doll of Marzanna, the goddess of winter, is destroyed. Khorovods, or circle dances, are performed on this day. A woman mimes the actions of sowing, reaping and spinning flax, as she sings, “Turn out well, turn out well, my flax. Turn out well, my white flax.”
Eggs and the color red are both powerful symbols in Alchemy. The egg is considered to be the sign for a sealed vessel of creation, the home of the transformative process. The color red represents both the chaotic beginnings of a metamorphosis, and its fruition. The two together encompasses the entire process of chaos, transformation, and creation. Quite appropriate for theater.