Scenes from a Traditional Passover Seder [Photos]

These pictures were taken at the home of a Jewish family celebrating Passover.

The seder plate is made up of items each symbolizing a different aspect of the Jewish culture.

Bitter herbs: represents the harsh and bitter conditions Jews endured while being under slavery in Egypt.

Parsley: the dipping of the vegetable in salt water (symbolizing tears) mirrors the pain felt by Jewish slaves. It also meant to be a sign of Spring, when the holiday is observed.

Charoset: a brown mixture representing the vessel used by Jewish slaves to build the storehouse in Egypt. It is traditionally made from chopped nuts, apples, cinnamon and sweet wine.

Z'roa: Also called a Zeroah, is the only piece of meat on the Seder plate. It is supposed to symbolize the Pesach sacrifice, which was a lamb that was offered in the Temple of Jerusalem, then roasted and consumed as part of the Seder night.

Hard-boiled egg: represents the festival sacrifice and is a symbol of mourning, as eggs are the first thing served to mourners after a funeral.

Have a favorite dish on this holiday? Let us know in the comments section.