Eastern European Easter Eggs
Symbols of springtime, decorated eggs mark a yearly tradition.
Ukrainian eggs, Faberge eggs, and Rusyn pysanky are holdovers from pre-Christian pagan rituals that now symbolize Easter.
Easter eggs are an important part of the Eastern European Easter tradition. Eggs, symbols of fertility, springtime, renewal, life, good luck, eternity, and rebirth have been given as gifts and used in springtime rites for centuries in Eastern European countries. “Easter” eggs are really holdovers from a pagan tradition. This tradition is still steeped in pre-Christian ideas, but it has been made relevant even within Eastern Orthodoxy. For Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and other Eastern European nations, the Easter egg tradition is one that connects ancient Eastern Europe with the present.
Ukrainian Eggs: Pysanky: These painted Easter eggs are famed the world over for their intricate designs, bold colors, and the skill it takes to draw precisely on a curved surface. While other Eastern European countries paint eggs for Easter, Ukraine is the most famous for this practice.
Rusyn Pysanky: The Rusyns, or Ruthenians, have their own style of painting eggs. The special comma-like strokes used to decorate eggs is one way ethnic Rusyns keep their history alive.
Faberge Eggs: The Faberge egg tradition began in Tsarist Russia. These highly-prized and priceless art objects were the Easter eggs of royalty.
Bulgarian Easter Egg Traditions: Bulgarians have long used red eggs for protection and good luck in both pagan and Christian Easter holiday traditions.
The Easter egg tradition exhibits itself in a variety of ways throughout the diverse regions of Eastern, Central, and Southeastern Europe. It has become a tradition identified with Eastern Europe’s colorful history, springtime rituals, and pagan past.
