Easter, a time of rebirth, renewal and eggs, eggs, eggs!
Long associated with fertility and the re-birth of Spring, eggs are particularly tied to Easter. Many of the Easter traditions we practice today are Christian. In many parts of the world hard boiled eggs are rolled down hills, usually on Easter Monday, possibly symbolising the rolling away of the stone from Christ's tomb.
The first eggs given at Easter were bird's eggs - mainly chicken - painted in bright colours. When I was a child (too long ago to think about!) we dyed eggs with onion skins and primrose flowers - with quite psychedelic results!
When chocolate became more widespread in the 20th Century, chocolate Easter eggs began to appear in baskets. Thankfully, these luscious eggs are closer in size to an ostrich egg than a bird's!
Did you know that in Britain alone, approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are eaten every year? However, the American "sweet tooth" can put that figure to shame with the sale of 700 million, yes, 700 million, Peeps. For those not "in the know", Peeps are a sugar-coated soft marshmallow candy shaped like a chick or a bunny at Easter, but adopting many other disguises for other holidays.
Easter eggs do not always come in the form of chocolate or painted bird eggs. Mini-bakers produce spectacular miniature Easter egg cakes - including Carolyn Brown.
Of course there were also the priceless Russian Fabergé jewelled eggs made of precious metals and gemstones by the House of Fabergé from 1885 to 1917. Although not made with precious metals and jewels, this miniature made by IGMA Fellow Betsy Niederer, otherwise known as Kachookie, is also priceless!
When Easter approaches and symbols of chicks, eggs and rabbits are everywhere, do you ever wonder just what the rabbit has to do with Easter and just why does he run around carrying a basket of eggs?
Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures / CDHM