Easter Eggs

The custom of giving eggs at the time of the Spring Equinox was known to the early Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Gauls and many other people. This ancient fertility symbol was adapted by early Christianity in connection with the miracle of the Resurrection and the Feast of Eggs became attached to the celebration of Easter. In Scotland eggs were also used in the Beltane rites ( 1 May ), and like bannocks, were rolled downhill in imitation of the movement of the sun. In Christian times, the rolling of the egg is supposed to represent the rolling away of the the stone from the tomb of the risen Christ.

 

The practice of colouring the eggs is also ancient. The Persians dyed theirs red, and still use coloured eggs representing the flowers of the field. In Scotland, country bairns used to gather whin blossoms and other growing things with which to dye their eggs. Commercial Easter Eggs seem to dominate now-a-days but it is far more fun for bairns, of all ages, to make the real thing! Eggs are traditionally given out on Easter Sunday and lets revive the practise of rolling your Pasch ( Scots for Easter ) Egg.

 

Easter Eggs - take as many eggs as necessary, 1 pt of water, 2 teaspoonfuls salt and for decoration: onion skins, flower petals, cochineal or other colouring matter for dyeing. Put eggs, dyeing material and salt in a pan - bring to the boil slowly and simmer for about 20 minutes. The dyed eggs can be further decorated with paint and crayons with drawings and patterns. Just use your imagination. Sinsyne awa an rowe yir Pasch Egg!