A favorite family pastime, the annual Easter Egg Hunt brings excitement, discovery, and joy to all of those who participate. The kids are especially thrilled, enthralled in the chase of finding those hidden gems placed by parents and adults in the least likely places. Hard boiled, plastic, and sometimes chocolate in nature, from a kid’s perspective, these eggs might as well be dipped in 14K gold!

The history of the Easter egg hunt can be traced to the Christian principles where the Egg symbolized rebirth, resurrection of man, and fertility. Often persecuted for their beliefs, followers would hide their eggs intended for children to avoid mal-treatment.
During the spread of Christianity, the egg was heavily engrained in the tradition of Lent, where on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, a large feast of eggs occurred before fasting began. Many of the leftover eggs that were not consumed during this feast were hard boiled, and placed, or “hidden” away until the final days of Lent, only to be discovered after this period of penance.

Luckily, these days, our traditional Easter Egg Hunts are without persecution, being more closely associated with family, faith, and fun. Be sure to take a few moments to participate in an organized group Easter Egg Hunt, or place a few in the back yard for the kids. Although the hunt and placing of eggs may only take a few minutes, the memories and happiness the little ones receive will last a lifetime!

– Craig Miller, LBSPY 29 (March 25-April 8)