Easter Egg Traditions

Easter, like any other Holiday, is celebrated differently in countries around the world. Before we discover different celebrations, let's find out about the origin of the Easter eggs tradition first!

The use of Easter eggs started in Mesopotamia, which is a historical region in West Asia. Eventually, it spread in Russia through the Orthodox Church and in Europe through the Catholic and the Protestant Church. The egg was originally used as a symbol of new life and rebirth. From a Christian perspective, the egg shell represents the empty tomb of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion. Eggs were originally coloured in red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ. Onion skins, flowers or leaves were also used to create patterns before colouring the eggs.

Easter Games - Easter Egg Hunt:

In some countries, such as Canada, Germany, Brazil and Switzerland, on Easter Sunday, kids would search for the coloured eggs that their parents would hide around the house. Sometimes, neighbourhoods plan big egg hunts, which is a good way for the community to get together!

Easter Egg Roll:

Easter egg roll is a very big annual festivity in the United-States, where the White House throws an annual festivity where the game is played. The game requires a few players, broiled eggs and sticks. The idea of the game is to roll the egg to the finish line. The first player who gets to the finish line first is the winner!

Easter Egg Peck:

This game is common in Germany and Austria. Two players are needed to play. Each player holds a broiled egg in their hands, they tip the eggs against each other until one starts cracking. The winner is the one who would have the undamaged egg at the end of the game.

Easter Egg Paint:

In some countries painting and designing Easter eggs is a very important tradition. One of the main countries that is very artistic when it comes to decorate Easter eggs is Ukraine. Traditionally, they would paint it on bird eggs using hot wax. They also used onion peels and berries juices for natural colours. Some designs they used had meanings to it, for example using curves in their designs would mean eternity. Some colours used also had meanings. For instant, the use of the red colour symbolized love and joy, and the bronze colour symbolized mother earth!