Eating eggs on Lag Baomer

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Eating eggs on Lag Baomer:[1]

Some are accustomed  to eat hard boiled eggs on Lag BaOmer.[2] This custom was followed by the Chabad Rabbeim and Chabad Chassidim of many generations.[3] Some Poskim[4], however, write to specifically not eat eggs on this day in order not to resemble any matter of mourning. It is told that the Rebbe would eat hard boiled eggs that had their shells colored brown during the cooking.[5] This practice is likewise followed by many Chabad Chassidim.[6] [A simple way of accomplishing this is through cooking the eggs with a bag of tea, or external onion peels.]

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[1] See Otzer Minhagei Chabad 52; Beis Aaron Veyisrael 166 p. 127

[2] In addition to all Sefarim mention in the previous and coming footnotes, see Masa Meiros [Betzalel Landuiy] that so was the custom in Hungary

The reason: The reason for eating eggs on Lag Baomer is not recorded. However, perhaps this custom connects with the fact that eggs have the property of increasing seed [See Admur 608:8; Machatzis Hashekel 608:6 in name of Rambam in Pirush Hamishnayos] and Lag Baomer is an auspicious time for conception [See Likkutei Dibburim p. 1045 that many people in need of children would get blessed and saved by the Mittler Rebbe on this day] both spiritually and physically. Alternatively, perhaps it is eaten in mourning of the passing of Rashbi. [See Admur 493:5 that one is to increase only slightly in joy on Lag Baomer]; See Beis Aaron Veyisrael 166 p. 127 for other alternative reasons

[3] Likkutei Dibburim p. 1045 that so was done by the Mittler Rebbe and his Chassidim; Sefer Haminhagim p. 43; So was also the custom of the Rebbe Rashab, to eat a hardboiled egg by the Lag BaOmer gathering that took place after Davening. [Lubavitch Vechayaleha and Otzer Minhagei Chabad ibid]

[4] Mishmeres Shalom 38

[5] Otzer Minhagei Chabad 60; See Nittei Gavriel Pesach 3 58 footnote 24, that the minhag karlin is also to eat eggs that changed their regular appearance, so it should “look like Aveilus”; Beis Aaron Veyisrael 166 p. 127

The reason: Seemingly, the reason the eggs are colored is to negate the similarity to mourning. See also Biur of Rav Issac Shwei, recorded in next footnote, that it is done in order to express joy, and that the mourning of Rashbi is a joyous occasion, in which bitterness in turned sweet.

[6] Rav Issac Shwei, brought in Teshurah 14^th Kisleiv 5766; So was the custom of the Klein family and Shusterman family