The
ground of the United States Capital was the original site of the Easter
Egg Roll. It was during the Presidency of James Madison that this event
began. Mrs. Madison wanted the children of the Washington area to enjoy
and follow the egg rolling activity as done by the Egyptian children. The egg rolling activity on the occasion of Easter was stopped in 1877, probably under orders from Congressmen. Some Congressmen felt the grounds should no longer be tattered in such a way. It is said that the President Rutherford B. Hayes, while riding his carriage in the capital grounds, saw the tearful and crying children and invited them to the White House for the Easter egg roll. The White House ground was officially opened to the children for egg rolling by President Hayes and his wife, in1872. Since then this event has been held on the south lawns of the white house (during the first and second world wars, the Easter egg roll was held at the national zoo and other locations).
The Easter Egg Roll, held on the Monday after Easter, is enthusiastically looked-for by a large number of children. The children take part in many activities, but rolling a hard-boiled egg across the lawn of the white house is highlight of the day. Children look out for vibrantly colored wooden signature eggs hidden inside hay. Another fascinating part of these Easter eggs is that many of them are signed by celebrities- athletes, astronauts, musicians, actors and actresses. The eggs signed by the President and First Lady are the most sought after!