By Polly Lynn
updated
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 10:01 AM
Easter eggs are a symbol of birth in traditions across the
world. The egg, while being dormant, contains a new life sealed
within it.
There are numerous traditions of giving eggs as a token of
friendship, love or good wishes. There are equally numbererous (and
bizarre) rituals surrounding these traditions. Here are just a few
examples:
In some parts of the United Kingdom, they roll painted eggs down
steep hills on Easter Sunday. In the U.S., someone decided this
game should be played instead on flat ground, pushed along with a
spoon. This type of Easter Egg Roll has become a much-loved annual
event on the White House lawn.
The Egg Dance, which originated in Germany, is a popular game in
which eggs are laid on the ground while the participants dance
among them trying not to damage any. In the UK this dance is called
the "Hop-Egg."
Cascarones, a North-Eastern Mexican tradition now shared by many in
South Texas, are an emptied and dried chicken egg stuffed with
confetti and sealed with a piece of tissue paper. The eggs are
hidden in a similar tradition to the American Easter egg hunt and
when found the children (and adults) break them over each others
heads.
Preparing for the 40-day fast during the Christian Lent, inspired
the tradition of "Pancake Day" celebrated on "Fat Tuesday" to mark
the last consumption of meat and dairy (including eggs) before Lent
began.
The household's dairy products would need to be used up in the
preceding week, which the Orthodox Church called, "Cheesefare
Week."
However you enjoy Easter, take time to appreciate the abundance of
eggs and new life springing up this time of year. And, if you feel
especailly daring, try the Easter Egg Roll, "Hop-Egg" or Cascarones
egg hunt. You may feel silly but folks have caried these traditions
on for thousands of years.
Personally, I'm adding Pancake Day and Cheesefare Week, to my
calendar not to be missed next year.
Tagged:
Easter, Easter eggs
