The Symbolism of the items on the Passover table
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The Symbolism of the items on the Passover table
The Candles
The Candles represent the light of God's face shining upon us. They symbolise the shekinah glory of God which appeared in the Tabernacle. There are always at least two candles on the Passover table, one for observe, the other for remember. God commanded the feast's annual observance in order that Israel would remember his mercy. The two candles also remind the Jews that God is not only their Creator but also their Redeemer.
The Matzo
Three unleavened loaves (matzo) placed together in a special cover with three compartments, represent the bread which did not have time to rise that the Israelites took for sustenance on their journey out of Egypt.
Red Wine
Red wine is a symbol of joy. Four cups are drunk by each participant to symbolise four expressions of redemption found in Exodus 6:6-7.
'I will bring you out from under their burdens.'
'I will deliver you out of bondage.'
'I will redeem you with great judgments.'
'I will take you to myself and I will be your God.'
Shankbone
A roasted shankbone represents the lambs slain in Egypt and the Passover sacrifice in Temple times.
Roasted Egg
A roasted egg is a reminder of the special festival sacrifice (the haggigah) that took place in Israel when the Temple was standing. It is a symbol of mourning for the Temple, and stems from the Eastern custom of giving eggs at funerals. The thought was this - an egg is round and therefore had no beginning and no end; so life, even in the face of death, goes on. The egg has long been used as a Christian symbol of the resurrection.
Parsley
Parsley (or celery) is a symbol of the hyssop that was used by the slaves in Egypt to apply the blood of the Passover lambs to their doorways. It is dipped twice in the salt water before being eaten.
Bitter Herbs
Bitter herbs (horseradish, onions) symbolise the bitterness of slavery.
Lettuce is considered a bitter herb. It is a symbol of hope and new life. New life emerges out of sorrow.
Charoset
Charoset is a mixture of grated apple, ground nuts, raisins, cinnamon and wine. It looks like the clay which the Israelites used to make bricks for Pharaoh in Egypt. Thus it symbolises hard labour.
Salt Water
Salt water (or vinegar) represents the tears of bitterness shed in Egypt. Thus it symbolises sorrow.
The Cup of Elijah
The Cup of Elijah is an ornamental goblet which is filled at the end of the Seder in the hope that Messiah will come.
Charoset
1 apple, peeled and grated
½ cup ground walnuts, almonds or pecans
Cinnamon
Red wine or grape juice
Mix all ingredients together using a little grape juice or wine to moisten. Minced raisins, dates or figs can be added. Mixture should have a clay-like texture.
The Roasted Egg.
Traditionally, the symbolic egg for the Seder plate is roasted. An egg can be hardboiled in dark tea for 15 minutes to give it a 'roasted' appearance.
From Irving, Valerie, Let Us Keep The Feast: a meal of bread and wine ANZEA Publishing, Homebush West, 1990, pp. 123-124.