UNESCO has officially inscribed “Pysanka: Ukrainian Tradition and Art of Egg Decoration” on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture announced the recognition on December 3, following the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee in Asunción, Paraguay.
The nomination was a collaborative effort between Ukraine and Estonia.
Estonia first acknowledged pysanka as part of its national heritage in 2013, with both nations later joining forces to advocate for global recognition.
“We deeply appreciate our Estonian partners for their steadfast support,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, Mykola Tochytskyi, in a press release.
He added that this achievement reflects close collaboration among Ukrainian ministries, UNESCO representatives, and cultural practitioners.
What is Pysanka?
A pysanka (plural: pysanky) is a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decorated using the wax-resist method, also known as the batik technique.
The intricate process involves layering melted wax designs on an eggshell, followed by dips into different dyes. Once the wax is melted off, a vibrant and detailed pattern is revealed.
This art form has deep cultural and spiritual roots in Ukraine, often symbolizing rebirth, protection, and prosperity. The eggs are traditionally created during Easter celebrations and hold a revered place in Ukrainian heritage.
This is not Ukraine’s first UNESCO recognition.
Earlier, borsch, the country’s iconic beetroot soup, was inscribed as an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
