Of all the symbols associated with Easter the egg, the symbol of fertility
and new life, is the most identifiable. The customs and traditions of using
eggs have been associated with Easter for centuries
Originally Easter eggs were painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight
of spring and were used in Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts.
After they were colored and etched with various designs the eggs were exchanged
by lovers and romantic admirers, much the same as valentines. In medieval
time eggs were traditionally given at Easter to the servants. In Germany
eggs were given to children along with other Easter gifts
Different cultures have developed their own ways of decorating Easter eggs.
Crimson eggs, to honor the blood of Christ, are exchanged in Greece. In parts
of Germany and Austria green eggs are used on Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday).
Slavic peoples decorate their eggs in special patterns of gold and silver
Austrian artists design patterns by fastening ferns and tiny plants around
the eggs, which are then boiled. The plants are then removed revealing a
striking white pattern. The Poles and Ukrainians decorate eggs with simple
designs and colors. A number of eggs are made in the distinctive manner called
pysanki (to design, to write)
Pysanki eggs are a masterpiece of skill and workmanship. Melted beeswax is
applied to the fresh white egg. It is then dipped in successive baths of
dye. After each dip wax is painted over the area where the preceding color
is to remain. Eventually a complex pattern of lines and colors emerges into
a work of art
In Germany and other countries eggs used for cooking where not broken, but
the contents were removed by piercing the end of each egg with a needle and
blowing the contents into a bowl. The hollow eggs were died and hung from
shrubs and trees during the Easter Week. The Armenians would decorate hollow
eggs with pictures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and other religious designs |
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Easter
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