The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season. The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have it's origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. And were made of pastery and sugar. The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good the "Oschter Haws" would lay a nest of colored eggs. The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets would come later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country. The Easter egg is a symbol of new life. People dress in new clothes and wear flowers on Easter Sunday because the winter has come to an end, and the earth seems alive again.

Pale Red: Fresh beets or cranberries, frozen raspberries
Orange: Yellow onion skins
Light Yellow: Orange or lemon peels, carrot tops, celery seed or ground cumin
Yellow: Ground turmeric
Pale Green: Spinach leaves
Green Gold: Yellow Delicious apple peels
Blue: Canned blueberries or red cabbage leaves
Beige/Brown: Strong brewed coffee

Directions:

  • Put eggs in a single layer in a pan. Pour water in pan until the eggs are covered.
  • Add a teaspoon of vinegar.
  • Add the natural dye appropriate to the color you want your eggs to be.
    The more eggs you are dying at a time, the more dye you will need to use.
  • Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the substance you used to color the eggs. Put eggs in a bowl.
    If you want your eggs to be a darker shade, cover them with the dye and let them stand overnight in the refrigerator.