 Easter
Eggs, the symbol of fertility and new life, are easily the most identifiable
symbol of the holiday. Eggs are an Easter custom that date back to
Pagan times. The bright colors that adorn the eggs symbolize the sunlight
of spring and celebrate the equinox.
Different cultures have developed their own ways of decorating
Easter eggs. For instance, the crimson eggs embedded in Greek
Easter Breads are so colored to symbolize the blood of Christ.
Easter celebrants in Germany use natural items like leaves and ferns
to make a kind of reverse stencil for their eggs.
Perhaps the most elaborate are Pysanki eggs, a masterpiece of skill
and workmanship from the Ukraine. Melted beeswax is applied to the
fresh white egg which is then dipped in successive dyes. 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 many countries, the eggs colored are not hard boiled, but rather
"blown" -- the contents removed by piercing the end of
each egg with a needle and blowing the contents into a bowl (follow
link for directions). The hollow eggs are then dyed various
colors and hung from shrubs and trees during Easter Week. Using
hollowed egg shells also allows you to preserve favorite eggs from
year to year (if you're very, very careful).
Simple or intricate, pastel or intensely colored, people the world
over decorate eggs to celebrate Easter and spring. Each year we
have fun coming up with new egg ideas and designs. After so many
years of experimenting, we think we've got it down. The following
links will give you all the information you need to turn out spectacular
Easter Eggs!
 Fabulous
Foods Easter Egg Links
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