Tomorrow, millions will wake early for Easter, engaging in traditions like Easter egg hunts and rolls if the weather permits. Children's attention will be captured by searching for Easter eggs, a custom steeped in ancient symbolism. The egg, emblematic of germinating life in early spring, has roots in paganism, representing fertility and rebirth across various ancient civilizations including the Romans, Gauls, Chinese, Egyptians, and Persians. It was revered in rituals, dyed, exchanged, and even believed to hold special powers, such as warding off evil when buried under buildings. The Easter egg, alongside the hare, was a symbol of the Norse Goddess Ostara, tied to fertility. In Babylonian mystery religions, dyed eggs played a role in sacred rites, and legends spoke of an egg from heaven hatching the goddess Ishtar. Over time, the egg became a universal symbol of Easter worldwide, painted and adorned, yet its origins trace back to pre-Christian spring festivals celebrating the earth's renewal after winter.