Wendish Easter Eggs
The Wends are Slavic-Germans who have four techniques of decorating eggs: Wax Batik, Embossed, Acid, and Scratch.
The most commonly used technique in Texas is the Wax Batik. In this method, the wax design is applied to the egg with the tip of a goose feather cut into geometrical shapes, or the head of a straight pin. The wax protects the egg from taking the dye. Multicolored eggs are created by applying the design in stages, dipping the egg in a different color dye after each wax application. When the egg is completely decorated, the wax is removed and the egg oiled.
The Embossed technique uses the same instruments and designs as the Wax Batik, but with colored wax on a white egg.
In the Acid and Scratch techniques, the egg is dyed first and the design is etched with acid or scratched with a sharp instrument.
For more information about Wendish Easter eggs, see:
The Art of Decorating Wendish Easter Eggs
by Daphne Dalton Garrett.
Instruction booklet can be ordered from the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum. The cost is $7.00 tax included. Egg decorating supplies are also available at the Museum, including egg-blowers, bees wax, and dyes.
I do the wax method of decorating a fresh ( never been in the frig.) egg. Then I roll the egg for many weeks to let the inside dry. The wax seals the dye into the egg. I have never had an egg to go bad.
Does anyone know the chemistry why the egg doesn’t spoil?
We will research this for you and post the information.
Thank you!
Ok… so I’m interested now… what did yall find out? 🙂
Do you sale the wendish eggs at the museum
Wendish eggs decorated by a German artist are available in our museum gift shop.
The eggs retail for $20 and may be shipped.
Thank you!
Decorated Wendish eggs are available in our gift shop at the museum.
They retail for $20 and shipping is available.
The eggs are decorated by Kornelia Thor a German artist.