Reaching the door-way they must halt just before it, and when the girl says "Ready" she must jump, the boys at the same time lifting her by the band around her waist. As she jumps she must try to catch one of the eggs. She can have but one trial, and if she succeeds in bringing down an egg it is hers; failing, she must wait until her turn comes again for the chance of securing a prize.
One of the boys must have the next trial, while the two girls become the "lifters." The same ceremony must be gone through with for each player, a girl and a boy alternately, and the same verse repeated.
It is not necessary to expend any strength in the "lifting," for the players should jump, and not depend upon the helpers to be lifted up within reach of the eggs. When the eggs have been pulled down, the fun consists in eating the candy, with always the certainty of finding some bitter drops among the sweet, and the uncertainty of how soon and how often the bitter will be found.
The Egg Dance
The egg dance is very old, so old that it is a novelty to young people of this generation. It is said that this dance formerly created much mirth, and no doubt it will afford our modern girls and boys an equal amount of merriment.
The Eggs
To prepare for it, take thirteen eggs, blow the contents from the shells, color eight red, gild four, and leave one white. The object in removing the egg from the shell is to save the carpet from being soiled should the eggs be trampled on. If the carpet is protected by a linen cover hard-boiled eggs may be used.
Place the eggs on the floor in two circles, one within the other. The outer circle, formed of the red eggs placed at equal distances apart, should measure about eight feet in diameter; the inner circle, formed of the gilded eggs, should be four feet in diameter, and the white egg must be placed directly in the centre of the inner circle.
Angling for Easter eggs.