When I was growing up I had my own goats and chickens . Looking at me now, wearing jewelry and doning delectable perfumes, you might not suspect I cleaned chicken coops and refilled salt licks for the goats. But I loved that part of my childhood. It was the early 80’s and my mother did everything homesteading. My own goat I named Cinnamon. A beautiful Nubian white and brown goat. Then there were two sisters Rosie and Rhonda. I recount that time , because with the Easter season and egg hunting. I distinctly recall crawling into the chicken coop and gathering the eggs. There is nothing like the softest feathers from the underneath of a chicken . I gently put my hand under the hens and gathered the eggs for the day. The feathers were so soft. Like the softest cashmere or velvet. These sensory memories have undoubtedly shaped my appreciation for textures and fabrics. Those sense memories never leave you.
There is something so perfect about an egg. The shape, the nutrition. The Faberge Company made a whole business on embellishing an egg! Some people really get detailed. Not your average pass coloring kit! With Easter on the horizon, I find myself drawn to the tradition of egg coloring, prompting a deeper inquiry into its origins and cultural significance. It’s fascinating to uncover the rich history behind such practices.
The tradition of coloring eggs has roots in various cultures and customs. In many societies, eggs symbolize fertility, rebirth, and new beginnings, making them a natural choice for celebrations like Easter. Coloring eggs became a way to mark the end of Lent, a period of fasting and penance in the Christian calendar, with vibrant colors representing the joy and abundance of springtime. Over time, the practice evolved into an art form, with intricate designs and patterns reflecting cultural motifs and personal creativity. Today, coloring eggs remains a cherished tradition, bringing families and communities together to celebrate renewal and the arrival of spring.
Faberge eggs are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance. These ornate jeweled eggs were created by the House of Fabergé, a renowned Russian jewelry firm, primarily for the Russian Imperial family. The tradition began in 1885 when Tsar Alexander III commissioned Peter Carl Fabergé to create an Easter egg as a gift for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. The first Fabergé egg, known as the “Hen Egg,” was a simple white enamel egg with a gold shell, opening to reveal a golden yolk containing a miniature diamond replica of the imperial crown and a Ruby.
The success of the first egg led to an annual tradition, with Fabergé creating a total of 50 Imperial Easter Eggs between 1885 and 1917. Each egg was a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring intricate designs, precious metals, gemstones, and detailed miniature surprises hidden inside. These eggs served as symbols of luxury, wealth, and the close relationship between the Imperial family and the House of Fabergé.
Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Imperial government was overthrown, and the House of Fabergé ceased its operations. Many Fabergé eggs were confiscated or sold, dispersing them around the world. Today, these eggs are highly prized collector’s items, with some residing in museums and private collections, symbolizing an era of opulence and artistic excellence in Russian history.
In 2002, the Winter Egg was sold by auction house Christie’s to an anonymous bidder for a staggering sum of $9.6 million, making it the most expensive Fabergé egg ever sold at auction. This remarkable price reflects the extraordinary craftsmanship and historical significance of Fabergé eggs, particularly those created for the Russian Imperial family.
Just like the timeless allure of Fabergé eggs and modern LOL toys, surprises captivate us all—from multi-million dollar treasures to simple delights. Spring embodies this essence perfectly, with its promise of renewal and the anticipation of what lies ahead. It’s the season where the familiar becomes new again, where each unfolding moment holds the potential for excitement and joy, reminding us of life’s endless possibilities.
Happy Easter and Happy Spring!
*All images from Pinterest except my personal family photos
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