The idea of giving eggs to celebrate new life and the coming of Spring is a very old one, but early Christians took over this custom as a way of celebrating the feast of Easter. Eggs were painted with colourful designs and given as presents. This has continued right up until the present day in some parts of the world.

Over the years all sorts of other Easter customs have developed using eggs. These include egg hunts and rolling eggs down a slope. The last egg to break is said to bring its owner good luck.

Egg are also used in the traditions of other religions and cultures. Wrapped eggs are given at Muslim weddings as presents to the bride and groom, to bring luck and good health. In China when a baby is born, eggs are painted red to bring good fortune.

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