Eggs-traordinary

There's a part of me that wants to go out right now and buy a Paas Easter egg coloring kit.

Displayed on the official Easter Egg Tray

Yes, I know I'd have to make more hard boiled eggs than the two of us could/should eat. And yes, I realize it would never be the same as sitting at a table comprised of bickering/bossy siblings. (And yes, I get that I fall into that category as it relates to my younger brother, Paul. Sorry, Paul.)

Coloring eggs was a family tradition that lasted well into my teens. We were each apportioned a share of eggs. My mom (or older sister) would prepare the water and add the dye, and we would proceed to dunk the eggs whole, or suspend them using little wire hangers. (If you weren't careful, the egg would roll off the hanger, and you'd have to give up your dream of a perfectly half-and-half colored egg.)

The longer the egg was in the bath, the deeper the color. Being creatures of limited patience, us younger siblings tended to produce eggs in pastel shades. We would jazz them up by adding the stickers provided in the kit.

In addition, the Paas folks discovered that if you used a clear wax crayon on the egg before you dunked it, the dye wouldn't stick to that part. So you could create designs or add your own special message. The problem with this was, because you were using a clear crayon on a white egg, you couldn't really see the quality of your work until the egg came out of its colorful soak. Many times, while I would envision something wondrous making its appearance, more often than not, the lettering would appear as though it had been penned by someone who'd imbibed one cocktail too many. This, naturally, resulted in much mirth from older siblings, who had long-ago wised up to the limitations of crayon-on-egg.

The egg decorating always took place the day before Easter (also known as "Holy Saturday"). Good Friday was somber. Easter was joyful. Holy Saturday was a break that allowed you to adjust and get ready for the big, "ta da!"

As a child, the religious connotations of Easter escaped me. I remember one year, my brother and I were watching cartoons on Good Friday. Mom made us turn off the TV and contemplate Jesus rising from the dead. But the whole concept was way above our earth-bound childhood heads.

Which is probably why my fondest memories of this holy day involve new hats and dresses to wear to Easter morning mass. Plus chocolate rabbits and jelly beans. And hunting Easter eggs.

I'm sure if I asked him, Mr. Ginley would hide a few eggs around the place for me to find. But it just wouldn't be the same.

Do families still dye Easter eggs? And have hunts for their kids? I hope so.

I always enjoy living (or re-living) vicariously through others.

Wishing all of you a safe, healthy, Happy Easter!