Colouring Eggs for Ostara

Eggs are one of the predominant symbols of Ostara (aka Spring Equinox), because they represent the life and rebirth that occurs in the Spring. A traditional past-time for Ostara is to color eggs, a craft seen these days around the Christian version of the holiday.

But don't insult Mother Earth by dousing your eggs in chemicals and synthetic dyes, and you don't have to be a master herbologist either. You can use everyday items from your kitchen to create a whole rainbow of colors to decorate with.

The Technique
You create your natural dye with a mix of water, vinegar and foods or spices that give a strong color. To make 4 cups of dye, you'll need 4 cups of water, 2 tbs of white vinegar, and your dye material. Most spices only require a tablespoon or so, but if you are using chopped fruit or vegetable matter, you'll need a few cups. Experimentation is the key!

Bring everything to a boil, then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool, then strain. Dip your hard boiled eggs into the dye for at least 15 minutes. Longer dying = darker color.

The Colors
Pink - beet juice, cranberries, raspberries, red cabbage
Orange - onion skins, paprika
Dark Yellow - tumeric
Light Yellow - lemon peel, carrot shavings, cumin
Light Green - spinach
Blue - blueberries, grape juice
Light Brown - coffee, tea
Dark Brown - chili powder

Get creative with mixing dyes, or using rubber bands to 'tie-dye' your eggs. Use them to decorate your altar or have an old-fashioned egg hunt.