|
|
Easter Egg Origin
Eggs have always featured prominently in the various ‘arrival of springtime’ celebrations of people from all around the world. The tradition dates back as far as the Babylonian civilization, where eggs were a symbolic representation of rebirth. The tradition has been emulated by many since then, with the Egyptians, Romans and Chinese being some of the more well-known ones.
Some cultures, most notably the ancient Egyptians, hold the eggs of springtime with reverence, according them with the tender care of a princely infant. Families sometimes ‘adopt’ a number of eggs for the duration of the spring festival, and at times, they even paint their adopted eggs to enhance its appearance. The symbolism of eggs do not detract from the fact that they are after all, food, and it is often the first thing consumed by Egyptians at the end of their fasting season, a no-sex and no-meat fast that runs for forty days prior to the spring festival. The tradition, along with the role of the eggs, was co-opted by early Christians celebrating the festival of Easter, an annual celebration held in honor of the resurrection of Christ.
Easter Eggs Tradition
The role of eggs evolved under the Christians, and two of the biggest changes involve the eggs being part of the alms for the less fortunate and, the egg hunt. One must remember that at the time, getting eggs were not as simple as going to the neighborhood supermarket. Eggs had to be obtained either from the family farm or by searching for the eggs of birds or fowls in the woods.
It soon became a competition of sorts among the children to find the most attractive looking wild eggs. Eventually, probably for reasons of safety, parents begun to paint their chicken eggs to resemble the more striking fowl eggs, and in keeping to the theme, hid them in the vicinity of their home for the children, who would commence their ‘hunt’ for the eggs. A tradition was born. The nascent tradition became an accepted practice following the Easter of 1290, when King Edward I instructed his kitchen to boil and decorate 450 eggs which was then distributed to members of the court and the royal family.
Easter Eggs Decoration
Unlike the olden days, egg coloring and decorations are no longer limited to vegetable dyes and sticking twigs and berries on eggs. Nevertheless, Easter eggs decorations are still bound by traditions.
One of the most unique modern Easter egg decorations is the Cascarones in Mexico. The eggs are emptied and then filled with confetti, before being painted. The eggs would then be crushed on the head of some hapless and unsuspecting victim. But one would not hear a word of complaint about this act of unprovoked aggression, as locals believe that having eggs broken on one’s head brings luck to the victim.
In Croatia, the eggs are boiled in natural dyes (beets, onions, marigold or other dye making elements) before being scratched on its surface in elegant motifs using pins, a process called Kraszanki.
Ukrainians are famous for their pysanki, a process that involves decorating the eggs with beeswax prior to boiling them in dye. A sharp instrument, steady hands and years of experience in applying the beeswax would result in the eggs finishing with an intricate design at the end of it, after the beeswax is peeled off. A similar method is also employed by the Czechs, although knits are sometimes used in place of beeswax.
The Armenians are known for their trinity-inspired designs. Employing a similar technique to the Ukrainians, they would design their eggs with pictures of Jesus, Mary or other Biblical inspired motifs.
The Washi Eggs of the Japanese involves emptying the eggs of its contents through small holes, before wrapping the empty eggshell, aided by glue, with beautiful Washi papers.
There are plenty more methods used by various cultures the world over to decorate their eggs, but owing to the constraints of time, there is a noticeable increase of people simply outsourcing their requirements, or even just using store bought designer eggs for Easter. However, if you suddenly have the urge to make your own Easter Eggs decorations, we’ve compiled a few suggestions to help you out.
Home-Made Decorations
Remember to boil your eggs in advance, as raw eggs tend to make a mess if it accidentally broke. In addition, eggs can go bad, and there is nothing worse than rotten Easter Eggs.
You can dye your eggs either by using store bought dyes, or making some yourself. Choose your color, and then boil, under a low heat, a similarly colored vegetable or fruit with some water to attain your desired color.
Next, draw some design on your boiled eggs with some crayons, after which, the eggs should be soaked in the dye you made earlier overnight. Alternatively, you can just stick paper designs on the eggs, securing them with some glue. Peel off the crayons (wax) or paper the next morning. Wipe the surface of the eggshells lightly with some cooking oil and voila! You now have your very own snazzy looking homemade Easter eggs. |
