Egg decorating is the art or craft of decorating eggs. It has been a popular art form throughout history because of the attractive, smooth, oval shape of the egg, and the ancient associations with eggs as a religious and cultural symbol. Egg decorating has been associated with Easter in recent times, but was practiced independently by many ancient cultures.
Ukrainian pysanka
Easter egg sculptures resembling pisanica in front of the Zagreb Cathedral, Croatia
A Carthaginian decorated egg from the Iron Age
Easter eggs, also called Paschal eggs, are eggs that are decorated for the Christian holiday of Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. As such, Easter eggs are commonly used during the season of Eastertide. The oldest tradition, which continues to be used in Central and Eastern Europe, is to dye and paint chicken eggs.
Decorated Easter eggs
Easter egg of the Ukrainian variety with the Paschal greeting "Christ is Risen!"
A chocolate Easter egg
The Easter eggs of Hungary, called hímestojás are handmade and gifted during Locsolkodás typically as courting or to family. It is also used in ticselés which is traditional gambling for kids.