How to make Red Eggs

It wouldn't be Easter without colorful eggs. But there's a big difference between the eggs you normally see at Easter, and the sacred Red Eggs used during Greek Easter. Greek Easter---also known as the Holy Pascha---usually occurs at a different time than the typical Easter. That's because the Greek Orthodox calendar is different. And instead of hiding the eggs, everybody gets one egg. People will try cracking the hard boiled eggs together. The last person who's egg stays intact gets good luck for a year. The eggs represent new life and the resurrection of Christ. And the dye leaves the eggs blood-red. There is a very particular way these eggs are made.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large Pot
• One teacup
• Red Greek dye
• Two dozen eggs
• Water
• Vinegar

How to Make Red Eggs for Greek Easter

1. Leave eggs out of the refrigerator until they are at room temperature.

2. Wash two dozen eggs to make sure they are prepared for the dye.

3. Fill a pot with enough water to fully cover 24 eggs. Usually a two-gallon pot will work.

4. Add one cup of vinegar.

5. Bring to a boil

6. Add hot water to a teacup.

7. Add one packet of Red Greek dye to the teacup. Some people will boil onion skins to make the red color.

8. Carefully place the eggs into the pot and boil for about 25 minutes, or until they are hard-boiled.

9. Once the eggs are taken out of the pot, let them cool. You can leave them in the refrigerator until it's time to share.

10. Give everyone one red egg.

Tips & Warnings

• To make the eggs shine, you can gently rub a cloth with olive oil on the shells.
• The red dye is known to stain. It's a good idea to keep napkins close by when handing the eggs out, and keep them away from items that could be ruined.

Resources

• About Greek Easter from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese