Easter Eggs

In Medieval Europe, eggs were forbidden during Lent. Eggs laid during that time were often boiled or otherwise preserved. Eggs were thus a mainstay of Easter meals, and a prized Easter gift for children and servants.

In addition, eggs have been viewed as symbols of new life and fertility through the ages. It is believed that for this reason many ancient cultures, including the Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Romans, used eggs during their spring festivals.

Many traditions and practices have formed around Easter eggs. The coloring of eggs is an established art, and eggs are often dyed, painted, and otherwise decorated. Eggs were also used in various holiday games: parents would hide eggs for children to find, and children would roll eggs down hills. These practices live on in Easter egg hunts and egg rolls. The most famous egg roll takes place on the White House lawn every year.

Artistic Creations 

The most elaborate Easter egg traditions appear to have emerged in Eastern Europe. In Poland and Ukraine, eggs were often painted silver and gold. Pysanky (to design or write) eggs were created by carefully applying wax in patterns to an egg. The egg was then dyed, wax would be reapplied in spots to preserve that color, and the egg was boiled again in other shades. The result was a multi-color striped or patterned egg.

Different Traditions

Germans gave green eggs as gifts on Holy Thursday, and hung hollow eggs on trees. Austrians placed tiny plants around the egg and then boiled them. When the plants were removed, white patterns were created.

The Easter Bunny

Hares and rabbits have long been  symbols of fertility. The inclusion of the hare into Easter customs appears to have originated in Germany, where tales were told of an “Easter hare” who laid eggs for children to find. German immigrants to America — particularly Pennsylvania — brought the tradition with them and spread it to a wider public. They also baked cakes for Easter in the shape of hares, and may have pioneered the practice of making chocolate bunnies and eggs.

Easter Cards

Easter cards arrived in Victorian England, when a stationer added a greeting to a drawing of a rabbit. According to American Greetings, Easter is now the fourth most popular holiday for sending cards, behind Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day.

Alphabet Photography is one of the most memorable and unique gifts that you can someone as a gift.  You can create their first name, last name or any other word that you think would be appropriate (and memorable).

This is a gift that everyone will see on their wall every day.  Many of their family and friends will ask where they received such an extraordinary piece.  They will say it came from you.

Here are some examples of Alphabet Photography:

Alphabet Photography is the work of Jennifer Blakeley. Jennifer and her husband Sam run the business together, along with their partner Miriam Laundry and other members of their close-knit team. Alphabet Photography is based in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

This project was inspired by a children’s book called “Alphabet City” published in 1999 by Stephen T. Johnson.

Jennifer spent a large part of 2006/2007 travelling Canada with only one goal in mind; to collect a complete gallery of photographs that look like letters of the English Alphabet. All of her photographs are of objects found in their natural surroundings that are un-staged and not found in any pre-existing signage.

After two years of collecting photographs and growing the business, Alphabet Photography is now a successfully trademarked company in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with a customer base from all around the globe.

Alphabet Photography pre-framed inspirational words are now available in several home and gift stores in Canada and the USA as well as Wal-Mart Canada, Sears Canada Online, Green Earth, Meijer Department Stores and other major retail chains.

To customize your own Alphabet Photography word, you can order right on-line or visit us at one of our many exhibit locations.

Alphabet Photography makes a great wedding gift, baby shower gift, and is suitable for any occasion. Alphabet Photography will make a timeless addition to your home decor!

You can find out all about Alphabet Photography here.

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Timothy Salisbury
Broker
The Salisbury Team
Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage
Toll Free – 1-800-467-8498
Office – 905-937-6000
View My Website at www.timothysalisbury.com
When Buying or Selling, please remember me!