Easter Eggs

We have been painting and decorating eggs for 800 years! From the Encyclopedia Brittanica:

The use of painted and decorated Easter eggs was first recorded in the 13th century. The church prohibited the eating of eggs during Holy Week, but chickens continued to lay eggs during that week, and the notion of specially identifying those as “Holy Week” eggs brought about their decoration.

In this time of bunny rabbits, chocolate eggs and plastic grass in plastic baskets, it is a comfort to realize this silly habit of celebration has been going on a very long time. Before the printing press, paper airplanes, mirrors, puff pastries or whipped cream some of us have decorated eggs for Easter. Even before the word “Easter” was in use.

It’s been a long time since I decorated an Easter egg, but suddenly I have the urge.

At any rate, I hope this time of year gives you hope and joy. It’s supposed to, and we need it.