Easter Eggs from Polichno

Easter Eggs from Polichno

Easter Eggs from Polichno 2560 1920 Centrum pre tradičnú ľudovú kultúru
The municipality of Polichno is situated in the north-western part of the Novohrad region, where Lučenec is the centre. In the past, the local inhabitants who are exclusively of the Evangelical denomination were strongly attached to traditions, including Easter, decorating the eggs collected during winter only on Good Friday. The patterns of Easter eggs from Polichno date back to the 19th century and are unique to Slovakia. The geometry of the various symbols was influenced by the Reformation movement. During this period, the symbols gradually became simpler, getting rid of their superfine nature, and were left only with their basic pattern. The decoration elements are based on the local ornamental fundament – from older Easter egg ornaments, as well as traditional rich embroidery on textiles. Despite being local, the ornaments bear the hallmarks of universality. From 1953 to 1957, the local Easter egg decorator, Anna Ambróšová, collected 73 local ornamental Easter eggs, producing two sets of pattern books. These pattern books are still used by the local Easter egg decorators. The younger generation is engaged by means of creative workshops, competitions, exhibitions, and lectures. In Polichno, hard-cooked eggs are decorated, and immersed in an onion skin brew. The eggs are decorated by etching, using geometrical and plant motifs. It is an old, traditional technique of Easter egg decoration in Slovakia, though not so widespread. Vinegar or sauerkraut juice is used for etching, spread using a little piece of wood or skewers. The etching is based on the chemical process of uncovering the original white eggshell. The etched Easter eggs are two-colour, and the etched ornament is white. In addition to geometrical (dots, straight lines, and wavy lines) and plant ornaments (calyces, evergreens and stylised tulip), images of everyday objects (rakes, pitchforks, and ladders) are also used. An Easter egg as a symbol of the Easter period symbolises health, fertility, love, and rebirth. In the past, it evoked in people the idea of supernatural characteristics and the ability to protect and ensure prosperity economically and in personal family life. Under the influence of the Reformation movement, this function changed, and the egg is now perceived as a gift of love and friendship.
Proposal by
The Village Polichno
Year of Inscription
2019
Certificate number
CTLK-RZNKD-2019/008
Vizuál osvedčenia - text na bielom podklade, vodoznak znaku SR, zlatá pečať, podpis ministerky kultúry a predsedníčky odbornej komisie, orámované paspartou s grafikou paličkovanej čipky.

   

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