Easter Eggs And Traditions

The egg is the most well known symbol of fertility, new life, and the start of a new beginning. Some customs have been around for centuries. Each culture decorates their eggs according to the customs that have been handed down for centuries. In all cultures, it remains true that "All life comes from an egg." Eggs have been dyed and eaten in Persia, Greece, Rome and ancient Egypt. The egg is regarded as a representation of the universe and the continuation of life.



In Germany, the eggs are pierced at the end and the yolk blown into a bowl. The now empty egg is dyed and hung from a tree as decoration.



Armenians decorate their eggs with pictures of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and other religious icons.



Austrians attach ferns and other plants to the egg. After they are boiled, the plants are removed and a white pattern is revealed on the shell.



In England, boys and men would go out on Easter Eve and travel th town begging for eggs before performing an Easter play.



Belgium believes that the Bells of Rome bring the Easter Bunny and the eggs together. Because all the bells are in Rome, they have the "Stille Zaterdag" or the Silent Saturday.



Norwegians have an interesting way of celebrating Easter. After going skiing in the mountains or decorating eggs for the baskets, they turn to solving murders. All of the media have murder stories and the people tried to solve the mysteries. TV, books, even milk cartons have some sort of murder story that needs to be solved.



Americans have a well known tradition as well. We travel to Washington DC to roll decorated wooden eggs on the lawn of the White House and then pretend the Easter Bunny hid them.