Easter eggs are celebrated as part of Easter because eggs symbolize new life, rebirth, and resurrection. This symbolism aligns with the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. Historically, eggs were forbidden during Lent (the 40 days before Easter), so eating eggs at Easter marked the end of the fasting period and was a celebration treat. Early Christians also adopted the egg as a symbol of Jesus' empty tomb, with the hard shell representing the sealed tomb and cracking the egg symbolizing Jesus' resurrection. Over time, traditions developed such as dying eggs, particularly red to symbolize the blood of Christ, and Easter egg hunts, which originated from early Christian missionary practices. In summary, Easter eggs combine pagan symbols of fertility and spring with Christian symbolism of resurrection and the end of Lent fasting, becoming a cherished part of Easter celebrations.