Dye Easter eggs with natural materials

6 and 7 April, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., children and adults alike can dye Easter eggs with the housekeepers using traditional methods. In the past, simple natural colors were used for dyeing, with onion skins being the most well-known: eggs turn yellow and orange in their broth. For example, red cabbage was used to color the eggs blue, and the boiled broth of fresh nettle leaves was used for green eggs. When dyeing Easter eggs, the participants will get to know color shades that differ completely from the coloring of the "party" eggs from the supermarket shelves. Under the guidance of the housekeepers, the participants can make small containers for transporting the eggs they have colored themselves.

How did Easter eggs come about?

The term "Easter egg" first appeared in the 17th century. The custom of giving Easter eggs goes back to the interest in kind that is due on Easter and includes the delivery of eggs, which the farmers had to pay as taxes to the rulers or as a "church tax" to monasteries and priests. However, they did not always use all the "interest eggs" themselves, but gave them away to children.

In the Eifel, everyone who entered a house at Easter was given an egg. Children were given Easter eggs by their parents and godparents. The rattle boys received Easter eggs for rattling the karala, the sexton for his service and the pastor for taking the confession. The custom of creating a small work of art with filigree motifs from an egg, which is still widespread in south-eastern Europe, was never known in the Rhineland. Here the eggs were only given a colorful appearance by using natural colors.

It is not necessary to register to participate in the Easter egg dyeing, a donation for the consumables is requested. Please do not bring any eggs to be "dyed"! The event is included in the museum entrance fee.

Please buy an admission ticket for the museum on site at the ticket office or in the webshop.