Easter is a time of year when the air is filled with the smell of blooming daffodils and tulips, as well as anticipation for the annual tradition of hunting for chocolate-covered and plastic eggs that have been hidden by parents or other family members. But what about hiding real eggs? Is this still a thing in modern times or has it become an outdated practice? Let's crack open this topic (pun intended) and see what we can find out.
What Does It Mean to Hide Real Eggs on Easter?
For those who may not be familiar with this concept, hiding real eggs on Easter involves taking raw (or hard-boiled) chicken eggs and coloring them before strategically placing them around the house or yard. Children are then tasked with finding these egg treasures, which are usually swapped for candy at the end of their hunt.
The Pros and Cons of Using Real Eggs
While using real chicken eggs might seem like an old-fashioned way to celebrate Easter, there are both upsides and downsides to keep in mind.
Pros
- A fun activity that promotes physical exercise
- Teaches children where food comes from
- Provides opportunities for creativity through decorating
- Adds an element of surprise during traditional Easter egg hunts
Cons
- Raw eggs can break easily if dropped or mishandled
- Leftover uncollected raw/boiled ugs will lead to rotting causing unpleasant smell.
- Handling raw eggs increases exposure risk to salmonella bacteria
How Did This Practice Originate?
The origin story behind using decorated chickens' reproductive organs had Pagan roots - scratching^1 past antiquity reveal; that people believed that it symbolized fertility blessings from deities. During early Christian era however, 16th-century Catholicism prohibited eating meat throughout lengthened Lent season preceding Easter Sunday; hence all dairy products were also out of the option during that period. So, individuals would have saved their eggs and preserved them till Easter Sunday; after which it was used to adorn churches as well tables^2 across Europe.
Is Hiding Real Eggs Safe for Children?
While real egg hunts can be a fun and engaging activity for children, it's important to keep safety in mind. Handling raw (or even hard-boiled) eggs carries an inherent risk of contracting salmonella or other foodborne illnesses.
Additionally, hiding uncollected eggs may lead to unpleasant odors emanating from decay - which means parents must remember how many chicken they just colored up.
These complications with using actual ovum will outweigh the benefits mentioned earlier; Nevertheless seeing your youngsters excitement over trying out something new is undeniably uplifting!
Alternatives to Hiding Real Eggs
If you're not comfortable with using actual eggs for your Easter celebrations, don't worry! There are plenty of alternative options available:
Plastic Eggs
Firstly and quite popularly nowadays there are plastic synthetic-eaten versions of decorative ova designed specifically for these activities marketed towards families looking for mess-free activities whilst saving avian-lives.
Tip: recycling last year’s easter deco stuff could save that extra penny & efforts instead going all shopping spree.
Resin-coated Synthetic Omelette
For art enthusiasts besides little kids resin-coated artificial-eggs(even magnets!) joined capturing attention as viable alternatives due its sturdy discreet nature imitating closely like real version& beautiful finished outcome (+ bonus point: reusable)
BONUS TIP:
a doodley mood evoking in? tap into some crafts tutorials on YouTube drawing inspiration learning new techniques making dope creations yourself this quarantine season!
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to hide coloured hen fruit or opt for any substitute product-fun remains constant (& safer). Just make sure everyone stays safe while enjoying themselves! Bring the family together and let them tailor their creative ideas keeping age appropriate safety tips (hard hats not obligatory 😉) in mind & celebrating that special Spring tradition unhindered.
PS:
One thing for certain, no matter what you hide--don't forget where it's hidden! There might a surprise for you too (wink).
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^1 - Scratching-information gathering technique used by historians/archaeologists; along with secondary sources ^2- Europe during this period contextually referred to continental Europe(some parts) as opposed to United Kingdom Isles