Easter eggs from the Czech Republic, called "kraslice," can be found before and during
Easter celebrations in Prague and elsewhere in the Czech Republic. While families decorate eggs according to their own traditions, Czech Easter eggs can also be acquired as souvenirs. These eggs may exhibit the use of special techniques or designs that are particular to regions in the Czech Republic.
Czech Easter Egg Decorating Techniques
Most Czech Easter eggs are decorating using the batik method, which requires dye to be applied in different stages during the decorating process. Other decorating techniques include removing dye by scratching the surface of an egg to produce designs, decorating the surface of the egg with straw, creating a relief affect by applying wax, or encasing the eggshells in fine knotted wire.
Czech Easter Egg Colors and Designs
Czech Easter eggs can appear in almost any color. Orange, black, yellow, and white are seen on many eggs, but eggs may also be dyed in blue, lavender, green, or pink.
While geometric and floral designs dominate the world of Czech Easter eggs, eggs that depict designs reminiscent of church windows, human figures, or animal figures (like roosters) can also be seen.
Regional Czech Easter Eggs
Various regions in the Czech Republic have become known for the development or use of certain egg decorating techniques and styles. For example, Valassko (Wallachia) Easter eggs are decorated in red, orange, and black with figural motifs like girls and roosters. South Moravia is known for its decorated eggs created using the scratching technique.
Czech and Slovak Easter Egg Decorating Traditions
Czech Republic and Slovakia may share some egg decorating traditions with each other as well as with other parts of Eastern and East Central Europe. For example, the practice of covering the egg with knotted wire was developed as a Slovak tradition but also became a popular Czech tradition. Motifs and color combinations may be cross cultural, and while traditional styles prevail, egg artists may add their own inspiration to the world of decorated Easter eggs.
