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Cascarones are confetti filled eggshells hand painted and brightly colored. Cascarones eggshells 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. Its believed that Marco Polo brought them from Asia. 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 husbands rule in the mid 1800s.
In Mexico people replaced the perfumed powder with confetti. It was then when Mexicans labeled the eggshells.... 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 someones 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 newborn chick opens the shell.
Source: Info from the web. |
