The practice of decorating eggshells dates back over 60,000 years when ostrich eggs with engraved designs were found in Africa. Decorated ostrich eggs and representations were commonly placed in ancient Sumerian and Egyptian graves over 5,000 years ago. The custom of the Easter egg originated with early Christians in Mesopotamia who stained eggs red in memory of Christ's blood at crucifixion. In Eastern Christian churches, Easter eggs are dyed red to represent Christ's blood and the hard shell symbolizes the sealed tomb, cracking symbolizes resurrection. Eggs are traditionally used up before Lent begins in Western Christianity and are forbidden during Lent.