Some of my best childhood Easter memories were annual outings to a Ukrainian Easter bazaar with my mom. At the bazaar older ladies wearing babushkas made, cooked and sold pierogies out of a hot, steamy church kitchen. Other vendors stood behind tables lined with rosettes, kolaczki, sweet breads, and a myriad of other to-die-for baked goods.
Image via Flickr by Kurman Communications
And while I loved all these foods, my favorite part of the bazaar was looking at all of the intricately designed Easter eggs. Some of the eggs were blown eggs, meaning tiny holes were poked on each end of the egg and the insides were blown out, leaving only the shell behind. They were extremely delicate.
Image via Flickr by Stephen
My mom and I always bypassed the blown eggs, however, and headed straight for the wooden eggs. My mom tried to arrive as early as she could to select uniquely painted eggs that she could add to our growing collection. Part of the challenge was to find patterns that we had never seen before. I suppose it was our own special Easter egg hunt.
Now that my mom is in heaven, these eggs are treasures that I proudly display in our home each spring. I can almost smell the Ukrainian church kitchen again as I arrange the little works of art in baskets and and tiny egg stands.
These memories prompted me to think about Easter eggs around the world. What do eggs from other countries look like? What stories and memories are other grandmas, grandpas, moms, and dads passing on to their grandchildren and kids?
I decided to search for photos of Easter eggs around the world to see what I could find. I hope you’ll enjoy looking at this collection with me. And please, if any of these photos spark a memory or story of your own, share it in the comment section below. After all, when memories and stories are shared, we begin to unlock real treasures.
Five Easter Eggs From Around The World
Austria
Image via Wikimedia by Werner 100359
Easter markets are colorful and common in Austria. I wonder if I could find eggs like these in the markets today.
Greece
Image Via Flickr by Michael
I also grew up eating the Greek Easter bread called Tsoureki. I love the bright red Greek Easter eggs. They are dyed red in memory of the blood of Christ.
Hungary
Young boys learn the following rhyme to sing to girls on Easter Monday in Hungary…
Through the greenwood going
I saw a violet growing
I saw it start to wither
Can I water this flower?
Japan
Image via Wikimedia by Brianjester
Like some of the Ukrainian eggs, Washi eggs are first blown to remove the contents. The egg is then covered with beautiful rectangular or triangular washi paper.
Russia
Image via Wikipedia public domain
Gorgeous, jeweled Fabergé eggs were made by Peter Carl Fabergé and company between 1885 and 1917. The most famous eggs were made for Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. They were Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. They are often called Imperial Fabergé eggs.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of Easter eggs from around the world. Maybe some of these designs will inspire you to blend history and tradition into your holiday decor. What are some special holiday traditions you and your family cherish?
Latest posts by Laura at Mommy Maleta (see all)
- Easter Eggs Around The World - March 27, 2015
I just love seeing the various ways Easter eggs are decorated around the world – it can such an incredible work of art!
Laura, thank you so much for your post. I am Ukrainian and the way you talk about our Easter traditions melts my heart. Beautiful photos too!
I love seeing these different traditions. I am obsessed with eggs, these are beautiful!
These eggs are beautiful! I have fond memories of making Ukrainian eggs as a child. The best part was carefully rubbing off the wax at the end to reveal the multi colored designs:)
Didn’t know how much different the easter egg theme was from place to place– very cool.
What a great post! Love reading about and looking at those colorful eggs from different countries 🙂