Colored Eggs - a Sign of Spring Over Many Centuries

In ancient times, Egyptians dyed eggs as a rite of spring. People in Persia gave each other gift eggs to celebrate spring. The custom of dying eggs was probably brought to Europe by the Crusaders and was expanded in Germany to involve rabbits and hidden surprises. Until commercial dyes developed in the 19th century, people colored eggs with whatever roots, berries, leaves and flowers were available. 

Some natural egg dyes include: 

• Blackberry shoots - light gray
• Blueberries, frozen - light, grayish blue
• Red Cabbage - blue
• Red Onion Skins - light blue to purplish 
• Beets - raspberry 
• Sassafras Roots, dried - orange
• Paprika - light reddish brown
• Coffee, instant - dark brown
• Turmeric - yellow