Decorating the Easter eggs

Decorating Easter eggs is one of the oldest customs in our homeland. The decoration of eggs as a symbol of fertility is one of the oldest examples of artistic design in the world. Simply coloring eggs, formerly with vegetable dyes, is the simplest way to decorate an egg. The Easter eggs of the Sorbs/Wends have special techniques and ornaments.

The wax technique, the scratching technique and the etching technique have all been handed down for generations. The wax technique is the oldest technique and corresponds to batik in textile design. The patterns are applied with colorless, hot wax and then the egg is placed in the color bath. The eggs retain their original color in the areas covered with wax. This can be used to create two-tone eggs, such as white ornaments on a dark blue background. These decorated eggs are similar to the Lusatian blueprint. If the batik process is repeated several times, i.e. the pattern is applied and then dyed, multi-colored ornaments can be created.

The shapes and patterns have been handed down and carry a meaning in their symbolism. For example, there is the triangular shape, the so-called wolf tooth. Lined up and shown in white, it can indicate the last snow in spring, which protects the first flowers from frost. One of the oldest symbols is the bundle of rays, which refers to the first warming rays of sunshine in spring. In the past, the colorful, decorated Easter eggs were often presented as godfather gifts. Traditionally, the eggs were decorated on Good Friday and collected by the godchildren from their godmother and godfather on Easter Sunday. Today, these decorated Easter eggs are still a popular gift for relatives and friends and a popular souvenir from the vacations for our guests.

The Lehde Open-Air Museum offers various Sorbian/Wendish Easter traditions to participate in at Easter. Workshops are offered for decorating Sorbian Easter eggs. Many families in Lusatia and the Spreewald hold on to their traditions and customs and pass on their skills from generation to generation.