The History of the Polish Pisanki

Polish Easter Egg Traditions (Pisanki)

The decoration of eggs has been a part of Polish history for more than one thousand years.  The first pisanki were found near Opole, in Ostrozka, and date from the tenth century.  The egg itself is considered to be a symbol of life.  It is connected with the re-birth, or awakening, of spring from winters's sleep.  During the tenth to twelfth centuries, it was forbidden to eat eggs because they were considered  to be a symbol of life.  Pagan people believed this so fervently that they would place eggs on the tombs of the dead.  This custom was called "rejkawka" and was preserved up until the nineteenth century in Kracow.  Ornamentation of eggs was also considered to be an important part of the courtships and marriages of the village youth.  These special eggs would be presented by the young women of the village to the young men of their fancy. 

Each region of Poland has its own special techniques for the decoration of eggs.  According to the techniques of ornamentation, there are different names for the painting of eggs:

Kraszanki are hard boiled eggs which are dyed a single color, usually red, and are blessed and eaten.

Pisanki are raw eggs used for decoration, with different patterns and designs.

Wyklejanki are hollow eggs onto which colored yarn is glued.

Nalepianki are hollow eggs onto which colored paper or straw is glued.

Malowanki are hollow eggs onto which has been painted a multi-colored pattern.

Stay tuned for Lesson #2 on the tradition of the Polish Pisanki.