Egg dance

Egg dance is a traditional Easter game which originated in the Netherlands and Germany. The game involves dancing among eggs while trying to avoid breaking them. It was a popular pastime in the 15th and 16th centuries and has been depicted in several works of art.

History

The egg dance was first recorded in the 15th century in the Netherlands and Germany. It was traditionally performed at Easter, when eggs were a common gift. The game was often played in churchyards after the Easter Sunday service, and was a popular form of entertainment throughout the Easter season.

The egg dance was brought to England by the Dutch in the 17th century. It became a popular fairground attraction, with dancers often performing in a roped-off area. The game was also known as the "hop-egg".

Gameplay

In the egg dance, eggs are laid on the ground or floor and the dancer must dance among them without touching or breaking any of them. The dance is usually performed to music, often a jig or a reel.

In some versions of the game, the dancer is blindfolded. In others, the dancer must pick up the eggs while dancing and place them in a basket. The dancer who collects the most eggs without breaking them is the winner.

In popular culture

The egg dance has been depicted in several works of art. Perhaps the most famous is Pieter Bruegel the Elder's painting "The Egg Dance", which shows a group of people dancing among eggs in a village square.

The game is also mentioned in William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream", where it is used as a metaphor for a delicate situation.

See also

• Easter egg
• Easter customs
• Easter games
• Dutch folklore
• German folklore