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Why did the Israelites eat the Passover lamb on BITTER HERBS? What is the significance and/or symbolism of bitter herbs?

The bitter herbs remind the people of the bitterness of slavery to sin. Freedom from this sin is through the Passover lamb. St. Jerome looks at the bitter herbs as a symbol of persecution. He writes, "Moreover it is with bitter herbs that the Passover is eaten and "with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." He that receives these shall suffer persecution in the world."