Easter Egg Dyeing
Dyeing eggs is inherent to Easter, where did this tradition originate and what does it actually symbolize?
History of egg dyeing
The egg is a symbol of new life, rebirth and new beginnings. That is why already in ancient Persia or Sumer we can find dyed eggs in the tombs of rulers. The Romans, in turn, passed around a red egg to celebrate spring, which was later adopted by Christianity and presented as the blood of Christ. And so it is very likely that eggs have been decorated since prehistoric times. Even in Europe, specifically in South Moravia, dyed eggs have been found in graves dating back to the 11th century.
The importance of dyeing is probably more practical than decorative. People used to fast from meat, dairy products and eggs during this period, which ended at Easter. Thus, people had to preserve eggs for later use, by boiling the egg to prolong its life and by colouring it to distinguish it from fresh eggs.
The importance of dyeing and decorating eggs
At first the eggs were dyed mainly red, but gradually other colours and decorations were used. Later on, the meaning of each colour became established and the caroler immediately knew "where he stood".
- RED - love and affection
- LIGHT GREEN - sympathy
- DARK GREEN - popularity
- BLUE TO VIOLET - hope
- YELLOW - rejection
- BROWN and BLACK - they have no meaning
The Easter eggs
The Easter egg can be blown richly decorated, which folds as a decoration. Carolers have always been given boiled eggs. We use several techniques to decorate our Easter eggs.
- Wax painting - hot wax is applied to the coloured egg to create various ornaments - often floral designs.
- Wax batik - again, hot wax is painted on, but this time gradually and the egg is dyed several times. Finally, the wax is wiped off and we are left with a multi-coloured Easter egg.
- Sauerkraut Easter eggs - again, the wax is painted on a coloured egg, and at the end the egg is dipped in sauerkraut water, which glues the paint on. Then we wipe off the wax, the colour remains underneath and we get a beautiful ornament.
- Straw Easter eggs - decorated with small shapes cut out of straw.
Whether you decorate eggs using traditional techniques or use modern methods, they are sure to make you happy. We wish you a wonderful Easter.
