They're not really "Easter" eggs. These glass eggs. They served a purpose back in the day. For when people used to keep chickens (whether or not they lived on a farm) they would often put these eggs in the nest of a chicken who wasn't laying. Sort of like "sweetening the pot" for she felt if she had one egg she might as well lay more!
These are special eggs -- they belonged to my great great grandmother. I got them when my mother passed away for she cherished these eggs and when her great grandmother passed away when she was 13, her remembrance of "Maw" were these eggs.
I'm not sure of the age of these eggs or if they belonged to my great great great grandmother and were given to "Maw" at some time or if "Maw" bought them to use with her own chickens. But it doesn't matter for I treasure these eggs as much as my mother.
They're white glass and smooth and whenever I touch them I think of the lineage behind these eggs and that at least my great great grandmother had touched them as well!
There is one BIG egg -- that's not to trick a chick into "super sizing" her lay but instead would be used for a goose!
Most of the year, these eggs reside in the antique blue Chinese bowl in the secretary. But during Lent, I get them out for they are part of my Easter decorations now!
This year, they're on the tray on the coffee table. A blue and white bowl of white glass eggs. Not Easter colors nor spring colors but simply just blue and white!
I'm joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.
9 comments:
Oh, Martha, I love these eggs. Just right, better than colors and decorated. Something about them, even without the history, makes them charming and evocative of the "plain and simple" belief of the Amish. In a blue and white, perfect! I have heard of these eggs before but never seen one before...thanks for sharing.
Oh your eggs are fabulous. Such a great heirloom and so neat to know the story behind them. I am sure "Maw" is thrilled you cherish them. Beautiful vignette. Hugs, Marty
Such a beautiful story and history with your glass eggs. Thanks for sharing!
Wow Martha, growing up in the City we never had eggs except from the grocery store. I never knew about the glass eggs, very informative though!
And what a special place in your heart they must hold for you. :)
Thanks for the story.
The eggs make a beautiful Easter vignette on your tray. What a lovely link to the women who came before you - such practical and beautiful heirlooms.
What special eggs. They are beautiful and I love that they were a functioning item that is being passed on.
They served another purpose too. Snakes were bad about getting in the chicken house and stealing eggs. They couldn't crush those glass eggs. And couldn't crawl off very far.
My grandparents used porcelain door knobs!
How amazing- I have never heard about "special eggs" but it makes sense!
Martha,
Being reared in the city...I thought these were alabaster decor eggs. I can just hear my former elementary students saying,"Hmph! City girl!" Thanks for letting me know their origin.
Fondly,
Pat
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