The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

EASTER EGG COLORING

UKRAINIANS ARE WIDELY KNOWN FOR THEIR EASTER EGG COLORING ART. THIS
ART ORIGINATED IN PAGAN TIMES, AND SYMBOLIZED THE REAWAKENING OF THE
EARTH FROM WINTER INTO SPRING. AFTER THE ADVENT OF CHRISTIANITY
THE "PYSANKA" SYMBOLIZED THE RESURRECTION AND THE REBIRTH OF
MANKIND, THEREFORE IT IS LAVISHLY DECORATED AND IS UNCOOKED. IT IS
NEVER EATEN BUT GIVEN AWAY AS A TOKEN OF LOVE, AND REGARDED
AS TALISMAN.

Data entry tech comment:

Told at informant's place of occupation - Detroit Board of Education.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; DETROIT BOARD OF EDUCATION ; INFORMANT'S PLACE OF OCCUPATION

Keyword(s): EASTER GIFTS

Date learned: 03-17-1970

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