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Easter Egg Traditions from Around the World

March 28, 2018
The egg is the most well-known symbol of fertility, new life, and the start of a new beginning. Some egg-related customs have been around for centuries. Each culture decorates their eggs according to the customs that have been handed down. Eggs have been dyed and eaten in Persia, Greece, Rome and ancient Egypt. The egg is regarded as a representation of the universe and the continuation of life.

In Germany, the eggs are pierced at the end and the yolk blown into a bowl. The now empty egg is dyed and hung from a tree as decoration.

Armenians decorate their eggs with pictures of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and other religious icons.

Austrians attach ferns and other plants to the egg. After they are boiled, the plants are removed and a white pattern is revealed on the shell.

In England, boys and men would go out on Easter Eve and travel the town begging for eggs before performing an Easter play.

Belgians believe that the Bells of Rome bring the Easter Bunny and the eggs together. Because all the bells are in Rome, they celebrate “Stille Zaterdag” or the Silent Saturday.

Norwegians have an interesting way of celebrating Easter. After going skiing in the mountains or decorating eggs for the baskets, they turn to solving fictional murder mysteries. Television shows, books, even milk cartons have some sort of crime story that needs to be solved.

Americans have a well-known tradition as well. We travel to Washington, D.C. to roll decorated wooden eggs on the lawn of the White House and then pretend the Easter Bunny hid them.

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