I was four when we arrived in America from Poland, and though I often found myself at cultural crossroads when it came to seeing eye-to-eye with my strict European upbringing, I’ve treasured the Polish rituals that have nurtured my Slavic roots. I continue to do so by passing down my favorite traditions to my own children.
One of my favorite traditions is making Pisanki, derived from the Polish verb pisac, which means to write. The name says it all, as the process involves decorating eggs with not only dye but hand-drawn or carved decorations as well. The history behind Pisanki dates back centuries; the eggs are now symbols of the breaking of Lent and the celebration of Easter.
There are several methods of making Pisanki. Here’s an easy version you can try at home.
You’ll need: hard-boiled eggs, crayons, 5 large onions, a large pot, a candle, paper towel or napkin, and something to set the egg on (if you don’t have an egg holder, something small like a shot glass will work).
Step 1: Draw designs on your eggs with crayon.
Step 2: Peel the skin from your onions and place them in a large pot. (Use your skinless onions for dinner tonight!) Place your designed eggs in the pot. Fill the pot with water – enough to cover the eggs – and bring to a boil; simmer 15-30 minutes. The length of time you simmer your eggs will determine the richness of the color from the onion skins.
Step 3: (For grown-ups only.) Place your egg in the egg holder and light a candle. Gently but quickly run the candle along your crayon design while you wipe the melted crayon wax off your egg. Though a faint pigment may remain, the majority of the colored wax will melt and you’ll be left with a more traditional-looking Pisanki.
One of the things I love about Pisanki is that their unique hues are derived from natural sources. Depending on how long you steep the eggs in the onions, you may be left with a light orange or a gorgeous deep brown color. Beets are another wonderful natural source of pigment and produce beautiful magenta eggs. You can find recipes for natural dyes online.
Another easy way to make Pisanki is to boil your eggs in the onion skins first, before designing them. Once you’ve achieved the color you are looking for, dry the eggs and carefully etch your design using an X-Acto knife. (This version is not kid-friendly.)
* * *
Jo Ashline is a local freelance writer and married mother of two. She blogs daily at ocmoms.com/blog.
