A tradition in the Greek Orthodox religion, and still seen throughout Greece today is the dyeing of eggs on Holy Thursday.

There are many methods for coloring the eggs, however I try to refrain from using chemical colours and instead use dry onion skins and nylon stockings. My grandmother used to decorate them using this natural technique and used leaves of dill and parsley as stencils.

Below is a step-by-step guide to this sweet Easter tradition:

  1. Cut the nylon stockings into 5 inch squares. Using a drop of water, “stick” the dill/parsley leaves to the egg. Wrap it gently in the stocking and tie it closed at each end with some string.
  2. Create a “pillow” of the onion peels in a large cooking pot, then gently place the eggs inside. Cover with water until the eggs are completely submerged, then bring the water to a boil for 20 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and top the pot of water up with very cold water to slowly cool the eggs.
  4. When the eggs have cooled, remove the stocking and herbs from the eggs and pat dry with a paper towel.
  5. Use a piece of cotton wool and some olive oil to “buff” the eggs and make them shine!

Have a go and send us pictures of your results!

Happy Holy Thursday!