Decorated eggs have long been a part of Easter observances. In the 13th century, the church didnt allow eggs to be beaten during Holy Week. Eggs would reappear on the dinner table on Easter Sunday, usually colored bright red to symbolize joy.
As Christianity spread throughout the known world, it absorbed pagan beliefs and practices, endowing them with Christian meaning. Eggs, the source of new life, came to symbolize Christs resurrection from the tomb.
With such a significant past, we ought to share the Easter egg history with our kids. All too often, traditions get lost and the act of dying Easter eggs seems insignificant.
Hold off on buying the seasonally marketed egg dyes you see at the stores this time of year. There are some other ways to color Easter eggs that are far more memorable and the results can be stunning.
Onion-Skin Easter Eggs
1 dozen eggs at room temperature
Dry skins from at least 12 red or yellow onions or a combination from both
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil or vegetable oil
You can use brown or white eggs with brown eggs resulting in a darker color.
In a stainless steel saucepan, boil 4 1/2 cups water, onion skins and vinegar. When it boils, turn heat down to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Pour mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into another stainless saucepan. Arrange the room-temperature eggs in the pan in one layer and carefully pour the cooled dye over them.
Bring liquid to an easy boil over medium heat. Then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes. Start checking for color by gently raising an egg out with a slotted spoon. It may take up to 20 minutes to get the right color. Do not cook for more than 20 minutes. If, after 20 minutes, the eggs are not a deep enough color, remove pot from heat, cool to room temperature, then place in refrigerator until desired color is reached.
Eggs can also be wrapped in onion skins held in place with a piece of panty hose while they are soaking to create a pattern on the egg.
Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and cool on racks. When cool enough to handle, lightly coat eggs in olive oil with a paper towel. Refrigerate eggs until ready to eat.
Hand Drawn Eggs
If you are artistic, try using the traditional hard-boiled egg as your canvas. Permanent markers come in a variety of colors with tips from fine to broad. Begin with clean dry eggs. Draw desired design onto egg and prepare to wow your friends and family.
Tissue Paper Eggs
1 dozen eggs
Various colored tissue paper
Drying racks
You can color eggs with tissue paper for a marbled look.
Wet the eggs. Place pieces of colored tissue paper on them. Set them aside to dry. When the egg dries the tissue paper falls off and the egg is colored.
Decorating eggs is fun for kids and adults. There are no rules when creating holiday traditions. Try your own ideas. Instead of chicken eggs, try using goose or quail eggs. Instead of dyes, use glitter or stickers. Decorating eggs can be a tradition you and the kids can look forward to every year.
