Herb Snips

from Susan's Collection of Herbal Lore

The All-Natural Easter Egg

The decorated egg, a symbol of rebirth in many pagan cultures, made its first appearance in Europe when the Crusaders brought the idea from the East. Natural dyes are fun and easy for kids to work with, and they'll learn about plants in the process. In general, the more coloring agent you use and the longer the egg remains in the dye, the darker the color will be. Arrange these pastel eggs in a basket with snips of rosemary, thyme, sage, and fuzzy lambs ears and use as a table decoration.

RedSimmer eggs for up to an hour with the skins of red onions
TanSimmer eggs for up to an hour with the skins of yellow onions
Dark brownAdd 2 tablespoons instant coffee and 1 teaspoon vinegar to two cups hot water, soak boiled eggs overnight
PinkSoak boiled eggs overnight in cranberry or beet juice
LavenderPour hot water over violet blossoms, soak boiled eggs overnight.
YellowAdd 2 teaspoons of tumeric and 1 teaspoon vinegar to 3 cups water, soak boiled eggs overnight
BlueSimmer eggs for up to an hour with a few leaves of red cabbage, or soak boiled eggs in grape juice