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  • Writer's pictureMadelaine

How to Dye Easter Eggs Naturally?

Dying eggs red for Easter is a tradition I've known about ever since I was little. Later I realised this was part of my Catholic upbringing since the red eggs symbolise Christ's blood, but decorating eggs is a tradition in many European countries. As a kid, I enjoyed helping Mom and Grandma dye the eggs and then marvelled at the beautiful, marbled red eggs emerging from the pot of water with red onion skins. Magic, right? Today, I'm thinking back on how the old ways were so much more sustainable and eco-friendly. People would keep their chicken and therefore have eggs and gather the mere skin of onions they used for cooking in the previous days/weeks. But then, synthetic egg dyes appeared in all colours of the rainbow. Even neon ones! Life sped up, and we started looking for quick, easy and instant fixes in all areas of life. So today, I'm grateful for being able to slow down a little and enjoy this old, simple and mindful process of dying eggs and quietly celebrate Easter.❤️


Happy Easter Friend! 🐣

Top photo of a bowl of eggs, a bowl of onion skins and a pot with onion skins and eggs next to crocheted bunny and a bouquet of freesias

1. Wash the eggs in soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Lay half of the onion skins into a pot and place the eggs on them gently.

Top photo of a bowl of eggs, a bowl of onion skins and a pot with eggs covered with onion skins next to crocheted bunny and a bouquet of freesias.

2. Cover with the remaining onion skins or layer it as we did, then top it with cold water until fully covered. Bring the eggs to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes.

Top photo of a woven tray with naturally dyed Easter eggs,  and a stem of freesia next to a small tray of dyed eggs, a crocheted bunny and a bouquet of freesias.

3. Let the eggs cool completely in the pot, then remove them onto a plate lined with a paper towel.

A close photo of a woven tray with naturally dyed Easter eggs, a stem of freesia and a crocheted bunny, next to a small tray of dyed eggs.

4. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to a paper towel and gently rub the eggs for a shiny finish. Then pat the excess with a clean paper towel and transfer your perfectly dyed eggs onto an egg holder of your choice. Enjoy the results! 😊

A small bamboo tray of dyed eggs with a stem of freesia.

Have you tried this method or want to say hi?

I would love to hear from you 😊 Comment below and/or share a pic on Instagram with the tag: #madelaineskitchen

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