Decorating Easter Egg Around The World

In the 11th Century, Edward I of England paid eighteen pence to gold-leaf and color 450 Easter eggs to hand out as gifts. Written documentation of the Easter egg dates back an astounding five hundred years! Although it is believed that North African tribes were coloring eggs in springtime much earlier.

Eggs can be dyed using food coloring or natural herbs, dipped in wax, carved, hand-painted or jeweled. It is no surprise that such wondrous and versatile symbolism is used to celebrate Easter.

While the Easter egg is undoubtedly beautiful, many children's favorite egg is made of chocolate. Kinder Surprise Eggs, manufactured by Ferrero Chocolate in Italy, began in 1972 and are sold in every country except for the US. FDA regulation prohibits that non-edible items be included in food.

In a hollow chocolate Kinder Egg, a plastic capsule contains parts of a toy or puzzle that must be assembled by the recipient. This Easter candy has become so popular that a Kinder toy collecting industry popped up over the years. However, politicians in Germany are beginning to follow suit with American officials, stating that the toys may be a "health hazard," which 97% of those surveyed said was just rubbish.

The Easter egg is not seen as a tradition in every country. For example, Mexico, South America and Native American cultures do not use eggs in their holidays celebrations. Often it is viewed as wasteful to make so many eggs that one family can't possibly eat, so in Spain, "hornazo" made of hard-boiled eggs is eaten.

Yet, for most cultures, fresh Easter eggs are seen as prized eats after an arduous winter, and fasting during the Holy Season of Lent.

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