Here at RBTW Magazine we are all about eco-friendly solutions while creating a life style that is authentic for all of us. It is no different when it comes to Easter and Ostara traditions.

Using just a few simple ingredients found in your kitchen, you can make natural dyes that are every color of the rainbow and safe enough for kids to use, too.

Eggs have long been associated with spring and the celebration of Easter and Ostara. In many cultures, eggs symbolize fertility, new beginnings, and the never ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth. From the ancient Greeks and Romans to the early Christians and modern-day pagans, eggs have played a central role in the rituals and traditions of springtime festivals worldwide.

Natural Egg Dyes

 This tradition of egg dyeing dates back to ancient times when people decorated eggs with natural dyes made from plants, flowers, and other natural materials. Today, many people continue to dye eggs to honor the season’s magic and symbolism.

In folk magic, each egg color has a specific meaning and intention: red eggs are associated with love, passion, and strength, yellow eggs are associated with happiness, success, and prosperity. Green eggs are associated with growth, healing, and fertility, while blue eggs are associated with peace, tranquility, and harmony.

When it comes to natural egg dyes, the possibilities are endless. From a range of  onion skins and spices, to natural juices, you can create vibrant, beautiful colors with natural materials.

 

There are two important elements for the best eggs for dying.

  1. Fresh Eggs. Fresh eggs tend to take natural dyes better than older ones.
  2. Hard Boiled Eggs. Hard-boiled eggs will keep their shape when dipped in natural dyes. You will be taking your chances if you color raw eggs. It would be terrible if one cracked in the dye jar.

Natural Egg Dye Recipe

There are countless types of ingredients that you can use to make your own vibrant, colorful egg dyes. Here are a few common types of natural foods that are sure to work:

 

  • Spices (e.g., turmeric, paprika, saffron)
  • Beets
  • Yellow and Purple Onion Skins
  • Spinach Leaves
  • Purple Cabbage Leaves
  • Tea Bags and Coffee
  • Natural juices (e.g., cranberry juice, grape juice, and orange juice)
  • Carrot Tops
  • Fruits and Berries  (e.g., purple grapes, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries)

 

Although the steps may vary slightly, depending on the ingredient you are working with, the overall process is the same. Use the following guide and step-by-step instructions to make food dye:

 

Materials

  • Large pot
  • Wooden Spoons
  • Fine Strainer
  • Paper towels or cloth rags
  • Quart or pint-sized mason jars

Ingredients

  • Natural food of your choice
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Hard boiled eggs

Optional

  • Elastic bands
  • Cheesecloth or nylons
  • Flowers or petals
  • Plant leaves

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, add one part of the ingredient to four parts of water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Let the dye simmer for 10-30 minutes before straining off any solids into a bowl or mason jar. The longer you allow the natural food to cook, the more intense the dye color will become.
  3. After you have removed all the solids, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar (any type will do) per cup (8 ounces) of water used as a base for the egg dye.
  4. Let cool completely and set aside.
  5. Prepare your egg to be dyed by wiping away any dirt or debris. If you wish to add a design to your egg, do so now.
  6. Wrap the egg in elastic bands or textured material for a striped appearance. To add a flower petal or leaf design, place a leaf or petal on the surface of the eggs and wrap it with cheesecloth or a nylon sock to secure it in place.
  7. Slowly and gently place the egg into the dye solution in the mason jar. Even though the egg is hard-boiled, you will still risk cracking it if you drop it into the jar.
  8. Soak the eggs in the dye for at least 10 minutes. Natural egg dyes take a bit longer to color eggs than traditional dyes that use food coloring. The longer the egg is in the dye, the deeper, brighter, or bolder the intensity of the colors should be. Leaving the egg for 24 hours or even a few days is fine; just remember to refrigerate the jar if you are going to do this.
  9. Remove the egg and rinse the egg with water. Some dyes leave a film or residue on the eggs so you will want to pat them dry with a paper towel or rag.
  10. Remove any of the elastics, nylons, or cheesecloth that you have on the eggs and let them dry completely in an empty egg carton. This part is so much fun! A little bit like Christmas morning as you open each egg up and see what color you have!

Tada! You’re done!