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“Why are Easter Egg Hunts only for children?”   I was asked this by my young adult children a few years ago.    I superficially replied with a comment about tradition and adults’ bodies lacking flexibility.  But I have been giving this more thought recently. 

 

Easter Egg Hunt Origins

 

Easter Egg hunts most likely originated in Germany in the 16th century.  Some believe Martin Luther had a hand in its creation as a way to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.  Meats and animal-derived products (like eggs) were forbidden to be eaten during Holy Week for Christians.  Rather than let all the eggs go to waste (hens lay eggs regardless of the religious calendar), the eggs were decorated and hollowed out. The hollowed-out egg represented the Christ’s empty tomb.  Everyone was invited to be part of the Easter Egg Hunt.  Men would hide the eggs while the women and children would find them1.

 

Victorian England popularized hiding toys and candy in artificial eggs.  Today, Easter Egg Hunts abound – but little remains of the original story.  Easter Egg hunts are mostly events for children with the focus on fun, treats and toys. 

 

Reverse Easter Egg Hunts

 

But what if churches went back to the roots of the Easter Egg Hunts?  What if Easter Egg Hunts were for everyone?  Easter Egg Hunts are usually done in the privacy of a home or as a community event held in a park or other public space.  What if Easter Egg Hunts were reversed? 

 

How many nursing home residents would like to find an Easter Egg in their room with a note saying they are loved?  How many assisted living residents are unable to be with grandchildren, nieces and nephews as they hunt for Easter Eggs?  Dropping a bag of goodies off at each assisted living door with treat filled Easter Eggs and a note will bring a smile and fond memories to a resident.  (The treats could be anything from candy, stickers, little wood crosses or even small origami.  Only creativity and size can limit what can go into an Easter Egg!)   

 

Why restrict Reverse Easter Egg Hunts to nursing homes or assisted living residents?  Church rolls are full of members who are homebound or simply don’t get out very much.  And what about the church’s physical neighbors?  They put up with plenty of parking issues on Easter Sunday, so why not create a bag of filled Easter Eggs to hang on their door?  Maybe include a note reminding them that they are loved or that our Easter joy is overflowing our doors, windows and parking lot. 

 

Resources

 

If you’re thinking time is scarce and even more so is money, this project will never fly……you’ve given up before you started.  Fillable Easter Eggs, candy and stickers/trinkets can be purchased in bulk.  Small, individually wrapped candy can be donated by congregation members.  A 600 piece roll of prism crosses can be purchased for $10 on Amazon (each stickers cost 2 cents).  Tiny wood crosses can be acquired for as little as 4 cents each (also on Amazon).  Ask your local retailer to donate the bulk fillable Easter Eggs.  Plastic door handle bags cost around $10 for 100.  Total cost of a Reverse Easter Egg Hunt?  Under $30 for 100 bags.  Not a bad investment in sharing the Good News of Easter.

 

Still Not Convinced?

 

Make it a congregation wide project. Ask a few members to stuff the eggs while enjoying coffee one morning.  After worship place the items assembly line like on tables for people to stuff the bags.  (Those with mobility issues can stuff eggs.)  Or get the confirmands and the youth group involved stuffing the eggs and bags.  Send groups or families out to deliver to different areas. And remember, the bag can be slid over door handles for those not at home.   If the whole project seems overwhelming, start with 25 eggs and choose one place to Reverse Hunt the Eggs.  It is even a fun staff event!

 

Gratitude as a result

 

Not only are you spreading the Good News, but you are reminding people they are remembered and valued – that they too are part of Jesus’ community. Reverse Easter Egg Hunts are a way to say, “you matter to us and to God”.  One thing is certain, the Holy Spirit will tag along for the ride.  Who knows what the Holy Spirit can do with a simple Easter Egg.