I was born and raised in Texas. I remember getting excited about Easter because I knew that I would have fun playing with cascarones. Since I was the youngest of seven boys, it was my opportunity to crack cascarones on some of my older brothers (since they always blamed everything on me). Although cascarones are meant to be playful as kids, cascarones symbolize something deeper during Easter. Below is a brief history of cascarones.
What is a Cascarone?
According to Fandom, "A cascarone is a decorative Easter egg, with a hole in the top shell and confetti inside, like tissue paper or small toys. Cascarones can be many different colours and are mostly made in Mexico, being similar to the Easter eggs in other countries. Cascarones have a religious meaning, symbolising the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The name 'cascarone' comes from the Spanish word for shell: 'cáscara.' Cascarones are sometimes cracked over someone's head, giving them a shower of confetti and it is believed to give them good luck. Cascarones began to evolve as a tradition in Mexico, from confetti in eggs instead of scented powder. Cascaron or cascara means 'egg shell' in Spanish."
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Where did Cascarones Come From?
They became quite popular in Mexico in the 1860s, after Emperor Maximiliano's wife, Carlotta, introduced them to the country. In Mexico, the powders were replaced with confetti and given their name "cascarones," the plural form of "cáscara," which means shell in Spanish.
Today, the tradition of making and using cascarones to celebrate is mostly popular in the Southwestern United States, though areas of Mexico still use them. Many say that good fortune falls upon the person who has un cascarón cracked over their head - and smashing one on someone's head is actually a sign of affection. Young adults often use them to engage in mild flirtation.
What is the Symbolic Meaning of Cascarones?
Cracking cascarones –or decorated confetti eggs—is a playful tradition during Easter in the Mexican American culture from the Southwest, as a gesture of goodwill and a way to bring good luck. For some who integrate their Easter celebration with cascarones, cascarones are also seen as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ.
Photo courtesy of Bee Felten Leidel
Other Easter Egg Traditions: Scotland, Greece, India, Croatia, Romania
Texas Heritage for Living reports that "If you’d like to try something new with your eggs this Easter, you might consider adopting one of these fun and distinctive celebrations from other cultures. In Scotland, for instance, many families mark Easter Sunday with a traditional “egg roll”: You boil and paint your egg, then take it down to the nearest park to roll your creation down a hill. Naturally, the person whose egg rolls the farthest distance (without breaking) is the winner.
Elsewhere, Easter celebrants take part in the storied tradition commonly called “egg tapping.” In Greece, India, Croatia, and Romania, it’s customary to boil and decorate your egg, then put it on display starting on the Thursday before Easter. When Sunday arrives, everyone takes their eggs and plays a game called tsougrisma, or “tapping.” The goal, as you might have surmised, is to crack your opponent’s egg without breaking yours. You only win if your egg doesn’t crack, which means you must create something both tough and creative. That’s a tricky balancing act, but ultimately, it’s not about the competition: It’s just another creative way to enjoy the holiday with the people you love most."
Whether or not cascarones are part of your Easter celebration, may your Easter be fun and meaningful!
Joe Mojica
Laer Realty Partners
Mobile: 561-431-4069
Office: 772-207-7669
Email: Flproperties@joemojica.com
SERVING THE BEAUTIFUL& RICH TREASURE COAST OF SOUTH FLORIDA
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