Ahhh… spring! Brilliantly colored daffodils… budding trees… crocuses peeking through the grass… and the impossible-to-describe feeling that’s in the air. In fact, the celebration of the Vernal, or Spring Equinox (on or very close to March 21) is among the oldest seasonal holidays in human culture, dating back to Babylon, 2400 BC!
Decorated eggs are a universal symbol of spring and fertility. In 17th century France, colorful eggs were given to new brides in the hopes they’d bear many children. In Germany, big bowls of eggs were given to crop workers by the landowners’ wives in order to ensure a bountiful harvest. In Russia, decorated eggs are buried with the deceased to ensure rebirth.
Other cultures celebrate the start of spring in very different ways. For example:
In Japan, March 21 starts a 7-day celebration called shumbun-no-hi (Vernal Equinox Day) which consists of Buddhist memorial services, family reunions, and visits to loved ones’ gravesites.
In Mexico, a firecracker-filled effigy of Judas is burned. In other regions, some young couples carry on the “Tradition of Mary’s Tears” by knocking on neighbors’ doors and asking, “Is the Virgin of Grief weeping here?” If the reply is “yes,” the couple enters and shares a glass of water (representing tears), standing before an alter featuring a picture of Mary, candles, and pine branches.
Norwegians play “Egg Knocking.” Partners take turns tapping each other’s eggs together. The first egg that cracks loses and the winner goes on to challenge other winners until only one egg remains.
Bulgarians don’t hide eggs… they throw them at each other! Whoever’s egg remains unbroken is the winner and believed will be the most successful person in the family the following year.
