Easter
Mar 31
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Egbert the Easter Egg
Was a pretty little Easter Egg.
Cutest thing you ever saw,
In the window of a big department store."
~ Egbert the Easter Egg, Ben Bloom, 1952
Happy Easter! From mid-century modern traditions of dye tablets and vinegar baths to the use of natural vegetables, fruits, and herbs, or even the intricate egg decorating techniques passed down from Eastern European ancestors, colored and decorated eggs have been central to Easter and springtime celebrations for centuries, rich with symbolic and mystical meanings. In some cultures, it was exclusively the women's role to adorn these Easter eggs, with men traditionally kept away during the decorating process to avoid bad luck or spells. Once decorated, these eggs weren't just beautiful—they were believed to bring luck and fortune, and even protect the family home when buried at the front door. So, whether your Easter involves decorating, rolling, hunting, tapping, or simply enjoying these eggs, wishing you a joyful and colorful Easter! 💗 💙 💚 🥚 🐣 🐰 🧺
The Easter Egg
Happy Easter!
Beyond the historic and religious symbolism of rebirth, the Easter Egg is now incorporated into holiday food rituals, treats, and games!
Egg hunts are games played with decorated eggs, real or artificial, sometimes filled with or made of chocolate candies for children to find indoors or outdoors.
Egg rolling is also a traditional Easter egg game. In the United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries children traditionally rolled eggs down hillsides at Easter. This tradition was taken to the New World by European settler and continues to this day each Easter with an Easter egg roll on the White House lawn.
In the North of England, during Eastertide, a traditional game is played where hard boiled pace eggs are distributed and each player hits the other player's egg with their own. This is known as "egg tapping", "egg dumping", or "egg jarping". The winner is the holder of the last intact egg. The annual egg jarping world championship is held every year over Easter in Peterlee Cricket Club.
An Egg Dance is a traditional Easter game in which eggs are laid on the ground or floor and the goal is to dance among them without damaging any eggs. This game is believed to have originated in Germany. In the UK the dance is called the "hop-egg."
Nowadays, the term "Easter Egg" also refers to a hidden feature in video games or other software. Designers often hide an unexpected or undocumented feature in a piece of computer software or on a DVD, included as a joke or a bonus.
For an Easter Treat of web-based Easter Eggs you may not yet have encountered, click the eggs!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
