Springtime Celebration: Egg Hunting

16th April, 2011 - Posted by L. John Mason -

One of the special traditions of the celebration of Spring is a long held ritual of hunting for eggs. Children love these traditions and many families have great memories of past events.

From Wikipedia a brief history. “Egg hunt is a game during which decorated eggs, real hard-boiled ones or artificial, filled with or made of chocolate candies, of various sizes, are hidden in various places for children to find. The game may be both indoors and outdoors. The egg was a symbol of the rebirth of the earth in Pagan celebrations of spring and was adopted by early Christains as a symbol of the rebirth of man at Easter. The egg symbol was likened to the tomb from which Christ arose. Traditionally the game is associated with Easter and Easter Eggs (Easter egg hunt), but it has also been popular with spring time birthday parties.”

This is not a major religious experience however it is a celebration of renewal or Spring’s re-birth. It is meant to be fun and not taken too seriously. I just participated in the annual event sponsored by the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for the children involved in this local organization and their “matches.” My “little” brother is not little anymore. He is a young teenager who still enjoys the “hunt” and running around in a city park. I enjoyed watching the children who were very focused on the hunt and the rewards that went along with success in finding the treasure filled eggs. There were innocent memories of past participation that filled my mind and warmed my heart.

If you get the chance, participate in an Egg Hunt or assist young family members or friends to have this experience. There are simple rituals and pleasures that help to ground you out and a few moments, removed from technology, to participate in an Egg Hunt is worth the investment of time and energy.

If you have the time and want to be a positive experience in a young person’s life, please considering being a mentor by joining (or supporting) your local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. The time you offer a young person may prove life changing for both the child and yourself.