Why Easter eggs? Coloring eggs? Hiding them around the house or
garden? How did this tradition arise? Easter Eggs have a long
history. Ancient Egyptians and Persians colored eggs during
their spring festivals for centuries before Christianity
existed. The egg has always been a symbol of rebirth, which is
why it was so appropriately tied to the Easter holiday. In the
early days of the church, eggs were forbidden during Lent, which
may have spurred the tradition of exchanging them on Easter.
Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant,
colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of
certain flowers. Today, Easter Eggs often include those made of
plastic and chocolate that sit alongside the real eggs in
children's Easter baskets. Several Easter Egg games have
evolved, including perhaps the most popular being the Easter Egg
Hunt. The hunt, in which children search for hiding Easter Eggs,
can be done in a familial or community setting -- or both.
Another American favorite is the Ea