Easter Sport: Egg Rolling!
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Easter is associated with eggs and a traditional Easter sport in several parts of the world, including England, Scotland, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, and Egypt, is egg rolling on Easter Monday, also known in England as ‘Pace Egg Monday’.
The term originates from the old English word ‘Pasch’, which, in turn, is derived from the Hebrew word ‘Pesach’, which means Passover. The rolling recalls the rolling back of the stone at the entrance to the tomb of Jesus Christ.
In England, the tradition goes back hundreds of years.
Decorated eggs are rolled down grassy hills, and the idea is to see who can roll them the farthest. In recent times, hens’ eggs have been replaced by chocolate eggs.
In the United States, since 1814, the Easter Egg Roll for children, aged 13 years old and younger, and their parents, has been held on the South Lawn of the White House. It is hosted by the President and the First Lady.
In this version of the tradition, the competitors push their eggs through the grass with long-handled spoons. The event is accompanied by White House personalities, who wear bunny costumes, and there are exhibits of artistically decorated eggs.
Since 1977, the event has been sponsored by The American Egg Board.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
