The ornaments are drawn on the colourless surface of an egg with wax. Then, the egg that has been inscribed in this manner is put into a solution of colourant. After a while, when the colourant has dyed the eggshell well enough, the egg is taken out and heated, so that the wax may be removed. This way, you get a light decoration on a coloured background.
– Kazimierz MoszyΕski, Slavic Folk Culture (1967)
The tradition of decorating eggs in Slavic cultures dates back to pagan times. In early spring, eggs were painted to celebrate nature’s awakening. The egg, a symbol of life to come, was ornamented with decorations reminiscent of natureβs fertility, such as plant or solar motifs. Egg painting has been incorporated into Easter customs to facilitate the process of Christianization. Easter eggs still mean awakening to life, and in addition the resurrection of Jesus Christ. #holiday
In Poland and Ukraine, Easter eggs are called pisanki (pysanky), which comes from the verbs pisaΔ/pysaty, meaning “to write”. In the traditional batik like method you use a special pen to apply liquid wax, which makes it look a bit like youβre writing. Currently, the word pisanka is often used regardless of the technique used, but in fact, each type of decor has its own name. #funfact
Various Types Of Easter Eggs
- Kraszanki, Krashanky β boiled eggs dyed a single color
- Krapanki, Krapanky β eggs decorated using the wax-resist method, but with dots only
- Drapanki, Dryapanky β created by scratching the surface of a dyed egg to reveal the shell below
- Malowanki, Malyovanky β created by painting a design with a brush using oil or water color paints
- Naklejanki, Nakleyanky β created by glueing objects to the surface of an egg
- Lystovky β created by dyeing an egg to which small leaves have been attached
- Biserky β created by coating an egg with wax, and then embedding beads
- Travlenky β created by waxing eggs and then etching away the unwaxed areas