When we visited Debre Birhan Selassie church, I noticed the cross on the roof appeared to be embellished with metal balls. As I got closer, I realized the balls were eggshells. Quite naturally, this piqued my curiosity, and I discovered that in Ethiopia, particularly among Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, the use of ostrich eggs on church crosses carries multiple layers of theological meaning.
While the origins of these traditions are uncertain, there was some documented evidence suggesting it was already a well-established practice by the late 17th century. It is also believed that the practice may have been influenced by ancient Egyptian and Middle Eastern religious symbolism, where ostrich eggs were used in tombs and temples.
Crosses were often topped with ostrich eggs to symbolize purity and holiness, spiritual vigilance, strength of faith, creation, fertility, and the resurrection. Each of these theological concepts has deep roots in the region’s ancient Coptic and Ethiopian Christian architecture.
The Symbolisms Explained
Purity and Holiness
The bright white of the ostrich egg represents purity, and in a church context, points to holiness and divine light.
Spiritual Vigilance
Ostrich parents are extremely attentive while incubating and caring for their eggs. They are known to stare unblinkingly at their eggs to ensure their survival. In Ethiopian Orthodox theology, this intense focus is a symbol of God’s unblinking, unswerving providential love and focus on humanity. This focus also draws parallels to how believers should keep watch for Christ’s return.
Strength of Faith
An ostrich egg is incredibly strong and difficult to break. With only a 2 millimeter thick shell, it is the toughest bird egg in the world. Vertically, these eggs are capable of supporting up to 485 pounds (220 kg). The egg’s incredible toughness symbolizes the unwavering strength of faith.
Creation
The seven eggs can also symbolize the seven days of creation. In Ethiopian Orthodox iconography, the egg is a natural representation of creation. It is a mysterious vessel from which life emerges. This aligns with the book of Genesis in the bible, where the world was created from a formless void.
Fertility
Ostrich eggs are often seen as symbols of fertility, representing new life emerging from the seemingly dormant egg. As a symbol of fertility, the egg represents the survival of ancient beliefs within the Christian context.
Resurrection
The concept of life and death is illustrated by the egg, which holds new life in the chick, and symbolizes the tomb of Christ and the resurrection. The hard shell represents the sealed tomb, with the breaking of the shell viewed as the rising of Christ.
When my guide started explaining the connection between the cross and ostrich eggs, I never would have imagined the answer to my question would be so deep or have so many facets. Curiosity + Genuine Desire to Learn = Broadened Horizons.
Up Next: The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
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