The document discusses the tradition and symbolism of painted eggs in Romanian culture. It notes that eggs have long been symbols of creation and fertility in many cultures. In Romania specifically, painted eggs represent an important Easter tradition dating back to pre-Christian times. They became associated with celebrating Christ's resurrection. The tradition of decorating eggs has been passed down and remains an important part of Romanian cultural identity.

3. As a symbol of creation, of begetting life, the egg have
inspired, from ancient times, numerous legends, fairy-tales,
an entire literature. In the Romanian culture it is sufficient
to mention two outstanding representants: Constantin
Brancusi and Ion Barbu, whose works orbit around this
subject, considered to have perfect geometrical form - the
perfect object. The origin of egg-painting is lost in the
darkness of the pre-Christian era, when the New Year was
celebrated at the vernal equinox. The eggs were gifted as a
symbol of equilibrium, creation and fecundity. The Romans
used red-painted eggs as gifts on celebrating Janus and they
were used in different games and religious ceremonies. The
custom of the egg painting was transmitted to the
Christians and is still used especially by the peoples of
Europe and Asia. As opposed to other European countries,
where this custom restrained or vanished, in Romania it
flourished, reaching the tops of art by the technique,
materials, significance of the motives and the perfection of

4. In Romania the painted eggs represent a
proof of the tradition, beliefs and Easter
customs being placed among the elements of
great folk spiritual cultural value, which
define the ethnical peculiarities of our people.
The folklore presents several Christian legends
which explain why the eggs are painted in red
on Easter and why they became the symbol of
the celebration of Christ's Ressurection. The
most wide-spread legend tells us about how
Virgin Mary, who came to mourn her crucified
son, laid the basket with eggs near the cross
and they reddened because of the blood that
was flowing from Jesus" wounds. The Lord,
seeing that the eggs reddened, said to those
who were there: "From now on, you too shall
paint the eggs in red to remember my
crucifixion, as I did today."

5. M a t e r ia ls
he e g(tra itio l)
n g d na
ve e l c lo
g ta o rs
b ew x
e a
T o o ls
g o efe the
os a r
"c ita (s e ia to l, m d o athin m ta p e w
his " p c l o a e f e l ip , ith
ve s a d m te ap ha isp dthro h it) is
ry m ll ia e r; ig ir ulle ug
us dfo "w
e r riting them tive
" o .
"b h" (ato l tha isus dfo c ve
rus o t e r o ringthela e rg r
s a e - thic line , p intse .)
pcs k s o tc
( V e g e t a l ) C o lo u r s
o ta fro s e t a p p a s e t a p le ve a
b in m w a p le e l, w e p le a s nd
flo e , hipro ep a e .
w rs s e l tc