Did you ever paint or dye or color an Easter egg? That’s our question of the week at www.dmcityview.com. I did, reluctantly. My mother and my sister thought it would be a fun thing for this young boy to do. It may have been a tradition for my older siblings. I’m not sure, but it wasn't very memorable for me. The process was lengthy. The colors were drab. And I really didn’t like eggs. Chocolate bunnies? Now, you’re talking. Loved them as a kid, and I love them now. Not those cheap hollow ones either. Sold milk chocolate. Yes.
Now, back to those eggs. Easter eggs are said to be rooted in medieval Europe, but, believe it or not, they may not be related to Christianity. Some say Easter eggs came from an Anglo-Saxon spring festival that celebrated the pagan goddess Eostre, who represents the dawn in spring. Eggs were buried and eaten during this festival. Why eggs? Well, eggs were believed to be a symbol of fertility and were signs of the rebirth of nature after winter.
Even so, there does seem to be a Christian connection. Christian missionaries are said to have adopted this pagan tradition to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.
Another theory says the use of eggs deals with fasting during Lent, when animal products were not to be eaten. Eggs were hard-boiled, stored and eaten at the end of Lent to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
Additional reports say decorating eggs goes back to the 13th century when nobles exchanged them as gifts. Another story says English villagers gave decorated eggs to their churches on Good Friday. Also noted, early Christians in Mesopotamia dyed eggs red to honor Jesus’ blood from his crucifixion. The tradition of dyeing eggs, however, originated more than 2,500 years ago with ancient Persians who painted eggs for the Persian New Year.
In the 12th century, King Edward I of England ordered 450 eggs to be colored and decorated with a gold leaf to give to his relatives during spring. A few years later, the Vatican sent Henry VIII an egg in a silver case to commemorate the Easter season.
I can appreciate these stories and the history of the Easter egg, but I still much prefer the chocolate option. But, alas! I have discovered a compromise — the Cadbury Creme Egg. Yes, this chocolate confection rules springtime. With its thick chocolate shell and sweet white and yellow filling that resembles the yolk of a soft boiled egg, what’s not to like? You can keep your paints and your dyes and your eggs. I will be hunting for these foil-wrapped treasures.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com | 
