Eggs, a symbol of fertility and new life, have been asso ciated with Easter for centu ries. Originally Easter eggs were painted with bright col ours to represent the sun light of spring and were used in Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts.
In medieval times, eggs were given at Easter to the servants. In Germany eggs were given to children along with other Easter gifts.
Different cultures have de veloped their own ways of decorating eggs. Crimson eggs, to honour the blood of Christ, are exchanged in Greece.
In parts of Germany and Austria green eggs are used on Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday). Slavic people dec orate their eggs in special patterns of gold and silver.
Austrian artists design patterns by fastening ferns and tiny plants around the eggs, which are then boiled. The plants are then removed, revealing a striking white pattern.
Poles and Ukrainians decorate eggs with simple designs and colours. A number of eggs are made in the distinctive manner called 'pysanki' (to design and to write).