Making DIY Orthodox Easter eggs is a wonderful family activity that brings joy and creativity to my home each year. Although we’re not religious, we love embracing cultural traditions, and decorating Easter eggs has become a great ritual. Making Orthodox eggs is inspired by the old Ukrainian tradition of pysanky. Last year, I experimented with baking paska, the traditional Easter bread, and crafted Easter baskets for friends. Hers is now to decorate Orthodox Christmas eggs.
How to make DIY Orthodox Easter Eggs
To create beautifully decorated eggs for Orthodox Easter, you’ll need the following ingredients and materials:
Ingredients:
- Peels from at least 10 yellow onions (the more, the better)
- Eggs (as many as desired)
- Various leaves from the backyard (e.g., parsley, cilantro)
- Vegetable oil (for shining)
Materials:
- Large pot (avoid using a new one as the dye may stain)
- Two-way stretch net mesh fabric or nylon stockings
- Kitchen scissors
- Water
Instructions:
Prepare the Onion Dye
- Collect peels from at least 10 yellow onions and place them in a large pot. The pot may need deep cleaning afterward, so avoid using a new one.
- Fill the pot with water, covering the onion peels completely.
- Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to extract the color from the peels.
- Allow the dye to cool for about 30 minutes before using.
Boil and Cool the Eggs
- While the dye is cooling, boil the desired number of eggs until they are hard-boiled.
- Once boiled, remove the eggs from the pot and let them cool completely.
Prepare the Decorative Wrapping
- Cut the two-way stretch net mesh fabric or nylon stockings into 5 by 5-inch squares using kitchen scissors.
- Gather various leaves from your backyard, such as parsley or cilantro. Feel free to experiment with different types of leaves for unique designs.
Decorate the Eggs
- Place a leaf or combination of leaves on the cooled hard-boiled eggs.
- Carefully wrap the egg with the cut fabric or nylon, ensuring the leaves are securely pressed against the egg’s surface.
- Once wrapped, gently place the egg into the prepared onion peel dye, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Let the eggs sit in the dye for at least two hours to absorb the color.
Unwrap and Use
- After the dyeing process, carefully remove the eggs from the dye.
- Unwrap the fabric or nylon to reveal the beautifully decorated eggs.
- To give the eggs a shiny finish, lightly rub them with a tiny bit of vegetable oil using a soft cloth.
Your Orthodox Easter eggs are now ready to be displayed and enjoyed as part of your holiday celebrations!
