Egg Painting Brings Communities Together in Tuzla to Celebrate Easter and the Tradition of Life
Easter in Tuzla has once again brought to life one of the most cherished and colorful traditions – egg painting. More than a folk custom, this act symbolizes the very heart of Easter: the triumph of life over death.
In a heartwarming display of dedication and faith, nearly 1,300 Easter eggs were dyed by members of the Serbian Orthodox Church community in Tuzla. The eggs, lovingly prepared by the women of the Circle of Serbian Sisters “Kosovo Girl,” are to be distributed to fellow citizens, sharing not just tradition, but joy and hope.
“We dye eggs in our yard, outside in baskets, and light a fire,” said Sanja Hajdukov, reflecting on how the tradition was inspired by a Russian custom introduced by their local priest. “We’ve been doing this for about ten years, and we really enjoy it.”
For Vesna Kraupner of the “Kosovka Djekovica” circle, each egg carries deeper meaning: “Every painted egg brings a dose of joy, hope, and faith. This year, we welcome Easter with warmth in our hearts and hope for a better tomorrow.”
Across Tuzla, in the village of Par Selo, members of the Croatian Women’s Association “Snaga Timuna” are also passing down the tradition. The women there have taken special care to involve children in the process, ensuring the custom lives on for generations.
Young Lana shared, “My grandmother taught me to dye eggs in onion juice to make them reddish brown.” Maša explained another fun technique: “We take rice, mix in the dye, and roll the eggs to make patterns. Then we add stickers and decals.”
Monika, also part of the group, said with pride, “It’s beautiful that parents pass this tradition on. I’ll do the same – it’s such a nice custom.”
The association’s president, Dubravka Divković, emphasized the importance of these moments: “This keeps our traditions alive and brings children together to develop creativity, friendship, and a sense of belonging.”
As each egg is colored, it becomes more than just decoration – it becomes a symbol of renewal, community, and the eternal message of Easter: that life, in all its vibrant beauty, always prevails.
