CASCARONES
What are Cascarones ?
Cascarones are confetti filled egg shells hand painted and brightly colored.
Cascarones’ egg shell have a very small opening on one end and the inside
is drained out. The empty shell is thoroughly washed and then dried. The
clean shell is now filled with confetti and sealed with a tissue paper.
Cascarones are brightly colored.
How did Cascarones originate?
Cascarones have an uncertain beginning, however historians have traced
their birthplace back to China. It’s believed that they were brought from
Asia by Marco Polo. These original eggs were filled with a perfumed powder
and the eggs were used as gifts. From Italy the tradition was carried
to Spain and then to America. Carlotta, the wife of Emperor Maximillian,
was so fascinated by the eggs that she brought them to Mexico during her
husband’s rule in the mid 1800’s.
In Mexico people replaced the perfumed powder with confetti. It was then when Mexicans labeled the egg shells.... Cascarones... Which derives from
the word "Cascara" which means shell. In Mexico Cascarones were popular
at one time, but the tradition eventually faded. Only in the late 1960s
and early 1970s Cascarones regained popularity in South Texas, where it
has now become a family tradition. Some make very creative Cascarones'
designs that sell for as much as $10 for one Cascaron.
Throughout Mexico and the American Southwest, Cascarones are used to
celebrate. The fun is derived from breaking the egg over someone’s head;
allowing the confetti to spill out. Prior to Easter, or during “Fiesta
San Antonio” churches and schools do fund raisers by selling Cascarones.
Others just enjoy cracking them over their friend's heads. Many say...
the confetti shower brings good luck and good fortune ! but if anything
they are lots of fun and almost addictive !!
Do Cascarones have a religious
link?
It’s believed that Cascarones represent the Resurrection of Jesus Christ;
the breaking of the egg symbolizes how Christ had risen from the tomb,
just like a new born chick opens the shell.
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