“Happy Easter from Armenia “

• April 4, 2021
• By Pen
• 0 Comment

We enjoyed a very laid back day, for our Easter celebration, here in Armenia. We enjoy learning about the various traditions, which surround us as world travelers, with each new country visit during holidays.

First thing in the morning, we were served colored Easter eggs for breakfast.  The eggs are naturally colored, by our Armenian hosts. You will not find egg coloring kits in the markets, like in America.  This is a fact.

Some Easter History

In 301, Armenia became the first state in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion, and since that time, Easter has been a beloved and much anticipated holiday for its people. Today it is celebrated with many traditional events, dishes, songs, and greetings. The custom of coloring eggs red for Easter has its roots in the biblical lore regarding red eggs and cheorek, which is a sweet bread. Choerek is especially made for Easter. It is delicious for breakfast with a nice cup of coffee.

“When Christ was crucified, his mother took some eggs and bread wrapped in the shawl to her Son. When the Mother saw her Son crucified and his arms bleeding, she knelt down and cried. The Mother’s tears and Son’s blood dropping on the shawl colored the eggs and bread. Then the Mother put the shawl on her head.”

How to Make Naturally-Dyed Easter Eggs

Fill soup pot with onion skins.  Add enough water (about 2-3 quarts) to cover the skins and push them all down in the water. Over medium heat, bring to a boil and then simmer 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

1. Put raw eggs into the cool dye. Make sure they are completely submerged. (leave the onion skins in the dye and use them to separate and cushion the eggs.)
2. Bring dye to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Turn the heat off, and allow the eggs bathe in the dye for at least another 10-15 minutes, until they reach that lovely brick-red color.
4. Remove eggs from dye bath and allow to cool completely.

Happy Easter y’all from Pen n Daryl