Easter egg decoration is one of the oldest traditions that has deep roots in European history. In Ukraine, this custom has become particularly popular, and today Easter eggs are an important symbol of cultural heritage. However, due to the fragility of egg shells, archaeological evidence of this tradition is quite rare. But recently, a unique Easter egg was found in Lviv, which has over 500 years.
The Easter egg was discovered by archaeologists in 2013, during repair work in Lviv, when the builders came across a medieval well. The well was originally used to collect groundwater, but after a large fire in 1527, which destroyed most of the city, it turned into a cesspool. Scientists suggest that the find has got into a well during cleaning the city after a fire. Ceramic utensils, metal and wooden items, as well as leather products were found together with the Easter egg. However, the most interesting was the fact that the Easter egg remained almost intact - only 2 cm² of surfaces were damaged. This allows scientists to better study the traditions of egg decoration in the Middle Ages. Ukrainian Easter eggs are traditionally painted with wax: a pattern is applied to the egg with hot wax, and then the egg is painted. The wax is then removed, and an unpainted pattern appears on the surface of the egg. This method of egg decoration was used in ancient times, when people began to create ceramic eggs dating from the XII century. Over time, the tradition of decorating eggs adapted to Christian holidays. The egg became a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and an empty tomb, which makes it an important element of the Easter holidays. Therefore, even in the Middle Ages, Easter eggs were sacred. After the research was completed, the 500-year Easter egg was transferred to the Museum of Pysanka painting in Kolomyia, and its exact copy was made on the duck egg. This copy is exhibited today at the Lviv Historical Museum. Easter eggs are of great cultural importance for Ukraine. In 2024, UNESCO made a tradition of decorating Easter eggs to a representative list of humanity's intangible cultural heritage, recognizing this traditional craft at an international level only emphasizes its importance.
Ukrainians continue to support and preserve this tradition, and today it is impossible to imagine Easter without brightly painted eggs, which are transmitted from generation to generation. Interestingly, even for those who want to create Easter eggs with a minimum cost, there are many simple and budget ways of painting eggs.
