1. Pagan Spring Festivals: Many ancient cultures, including the Persians, Egyptians, and Greeks, celebrated spring festivals to mark the end of winter and the beginning of the agricultural season. Eggs were often incorporated into these celebrations as symbols of fertility and new life. People would decorate eggs and exchange them as gifts to welcome the arrival of spring.
2. Pre-Christian Europe: In pre-Christian Europe, the spring equinox was a time of celebration, with festivals dedicated to fertility goddesses such as Eostre (also spelled Ostara). Eostre's symbols included hares and eggs, which likely contributed to the Easter Bunny and Easter egg traditions. When Christianity spread across Europe, some pagan customs were incorporated into Christian holidays, including Easter.
3. Christian Symbolism: In Christianity, eggs came to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When cracked open, the egg represents the empty tomb of Jesus after his resurrection. Christians began to dye eggs red to represent the blood of Christ shed on the cross. Over time, various cultures developed their techniques for decorating eggs, resulting in multiple designs and styles.
4. Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, decorating eggs became more widespread, especially among the nobility. Intricately decorated eggs were exchanged as gifts during Easter celebrations.
5. Eastern Orthodox Church: In Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions, eggs are essential to the Easter celebration. In many Eastern European countries, such as Russia, Ukraine, and Greece, elaborately decorated eggs known as pysanky or krashanky are created using wax-resist dyeing techniques. These eggs are often exchanged as gifts and displayed as decorations during Easter.

Overall, the tradition of decorating eggs for Easter has evolved, drawing from various cultural, religious, and historical influences. Today, it remains a cherished custom in many parts of the world, symbolizing new life, rebirth, and the hope of Easter.