The Committee
- Takes note that Ukraine and Estonia have nominated Pysanka, Ukrainian tradition and art of decorating eggs (No. 02134) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
The art of decorating eggs is a centuries-old Ukrainian tradition. Traditional patterns and symbols are applied to the egg using wax. The egg is then dipped into dye, covering all but the waxed areas. The process is repeated to achieve the desired pattern and colours. Personal wishes and messages are captured in the symbols used. Although the tradition dates back to pre-Christian times, it has become an Easter tradition over time. Nevertheless, exchanging the decorated eggs, or pysankas, as presents is very meaningful to Ukrainians, regardless of religion. Egg decoration is deeply rooted in Ukrainian identity and is still a traditional ritual among communities all over Ukraine, as well as for Ukrainians living in Estonia. The eggs are a source of family pride, as families strive to have the best-looking eggs and develop and pass on their specific traditions and associated rituals. The practice is transmitted within families as well as through classes, workshops and trainings. Pysankas hold multiple social functions, including ritual, recreational and decorative. For instance, after Easter, blessed pysankas are stored in homes as a source of protection. They can be made to honour the deceased or presented as gifts to celebrate important life-changing events such as the birth of a child, a christening, or a wedding.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: The element is deeply rooted among Ukrainians and is associated with Easter traditions. Other than Easter, the element plays a crucial role in various life events such as weddings, christenings, and memorials. Through family traditions, workshops, and formal education, the pysanka remains a vital and dynamic element of intangible cultural heritage, symbolizing the enduring connection between the people and their cultural identity. The knowledge of the pysanka technique is traditionally passed on from mother to daughter, as it was traditionally a ritual only for women. However, nowadays it is practised broadly, regardless of gender and age. Professional pysanka-makers transmit the knowledge formally through classes. This includes researching patterns, improving techniques and creating pysanka collections. Pysankas hold multiple social functions, including ritual, recreational and decorative.
R.2: Inscription of the element will increase interest in its practice and raise awareness about its symbols through research and learning. It will support the element’s integration into formal and informal education, thus promoting quality education based on humanistic values and global citizenship principles. Inscription will also contribute to fostering peaceful, just and inclusive societies, thereby ensuring dialogue and understanding between generations, groups and communities. Although it was formerly practised exclusively by women, the element has evolved to include men in the process, thereby encouraging gender equality. Decorating eggs is part of the centuries-long tradition of celebrating Easter in many countries in the world and the inscription would provide opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.
R.3: Pysanka collections are displayed in national and local museums in Ukraine. Other safeguarding measures planned include: (a) organizing promotional and educational campaigns in Ukraine and Estonia to raise awareness about pysanka making; (b) conducting comprehensive research through field expeditions to document the current state of pysanka and its bearers; (c) establishing a scientific programme for living heritage researchers; and (d) establishing an art market for folk art and crafts in Ukraine. The community’s involvement in planning the safeguarding measures is demonstrated through the participation of the various museums and centres that will be responsible for their implementation.
R.4: The nomination process began in 2017, when a meeting was organized in the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Tallinn. The meeting involved several umbrella and local organizations as well as independent representatives of Ukrainian communities in Estonia. The nomination was started following a public survey conducted by the NGO Democracy through Culture with the aim to gather consent from members of Ukrainian communities. Working groups in each submitting State included community members and representatives of related institutions.
R.5: The element is listed on the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine and the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Estonia. These inventories are managed and updated by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine and the Estonian Centre of Folk Culture, respectively. Details of the inventories and inventorying processes are contained in the national periodic reports submitted by the States Parties in 2023.
- Decides to inscribe Pysanka, Ukrainian tradition and art of decorating eggs on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.