The tradition of dyeing Easter eggs dates back to ancient times.
Spring brings blooming flowers, warmer days, andEaster celebrations.
Specifically, Easter egg hunts.
Credit:NelliSyr / Getty Images
The history of transforming eggs into brightly colored gems isn’t a modern invention, though.
In fact,decorating eggsis a practice that dates to before Christianity.
So why do we dye Easter eggs?
Learn the history of this spring tradition.
Decorating Eggs Originated In Ancient Times
Historians believe the practice of decorating eggs occurred in many cultures.
Prehistoric ostrich eggs with simple carvings have been found in Africa.
Historians believe the ancient Persians also painted eggs.
In some regions solid-color eggs have given way to eggs with multicolored decorations."
Dyeing the eggs red also symbolizes the blood Jesus shed on the cross.
Historians have found evidence that Easter eggs were commonly dyed in the 16th and 17th centuries.
(It is the Victorians we have to thank for Christmas trees too.)
They helped bring the art ofdyeing Easter eggsinto the modern era and popularized Easter-egg hunts.
The White House got in on the fun, hosting the first annual Easter Egg Roll in 1878.
What Is The Significance Of Easter Eggs?
The egg symbolizes new life emerging from the eggshell, in the same way Jesus rose from the tomb.
Historians believe that Lent also played a part in the prominence of Easter eggs.
During the Middle Ages, eggs were often prohibitedduring Lent, a time of fasting.
Rabbits are a symbol of fertility.
Bunnies likely became popular thanks to German immigrants, who had a tradition of an egg-laying hare calledOsterhase.
You caneat dyed eggs, but only if they are stored properly.
Hard-boiled eggs must be refrigerated within two hours of boiling, and that includes dyeing time.
The Bible does not mention Easter eggs, though they have become a symbol of Jesus' Resurrection.
Wu, Katherine J.Ornately Decorated Eggs Have Been Traded Worldwide for Thousands of Years.
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Hall, Stephanie.The Ancient Art of Decorating Eggs.
American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
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Archaeology Now.The Ancient Story of Pysanky.
Waxman, Olivia B.Here’s Why Easter Eggs Are A Thing.TIME.
Updated April 6, 2023.
The White House Historical Association.When did the White House host its first Easter Egg Roll?
