Traditional Passover foods and
their symbolism
According to Fabulous
Foods, there are many special foods to nosh on at Passover. They
include:
Unleavened bread
See above on matzah
Roasted lamb bone
The roasted lamb bone symbolizes the lamb that was
sacrificed at the Holy Temple of Jerusalem on the eve of the Israelites’ exodus
from Egypt. The blood of that ancient sacrifice was used to mark the
doors of the Israelites’, so they might be "passed over." Today,
many families substitute a chicken or turkey neck for the lamb. Whichever
meat you choose, roast it in the oven until done, then scorch over
a flame, like a gas burner or grill. Jewish vegetarians have been
known to use a whole roasted beet instead of lamb.
Roasted egg
Eggs symbolize the perpetual cycle of life, from birth to
death to rebirth. To roast eggs, first hard boil them; then, using
tongs, hold over a gas burner or candle flame. This is my favorite
part. It’s
all about the egg.
Bitter herbs
Fresh horseradish, without beets or vinegar, graces the
seder plate to symbolize the bitterness of slavery. Come to think of
it, this is pretty tasty on matzah.
Greens
Greens, usually fresh parsley or celery tops, represent rebirth
and spring.
Salt water
The greens are traditionally dipped in salt water, which
symbolizes the tears of the Hebrew slaves.
Charoset
A traditional Passover dish, charoset consists of a mixture
of chopped fruits, usually apples, nuts, raisins, spices, and wine. The
mixture represents the mortar Hebrew slaves used to make bricks for the
Pharaoh Ramses II. Very unique, very delicious.
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