**UNESCO Grants Status to Ukrainian Easter Egg**
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Cultural Heritage has recognized the traditional Ukrainian Easter egg, called a “pysanka”, as a cultural heritage of humanity. This is a significant victory for Ukraine’s cultural heritage, especially amidst Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian landmarks.
The pysanka holds deep meaning in Ukrainian culture. It symbolizes the return of spring and the rebirth of nature. The art of creating pysankas has evolved over centuries, combining pagan rituals with Christian symbolism. Each color and design carries specific meanings, often reflecting themes of life, fertility, and protection.
**Ukraine’s Unity Strengthened**
The UNESCO Committee made its decision on November 3 in Asunción, Paraguay. Ukraine and Estonia jointly applied for the recognition of the pysanka as a cultural heritage of humanity. Mykola Tochitsky, Head of Ukraine’s Culture Ministry, sees this decision as a reaffirmation of Ukrainian unity.
“This decision proves that even in the darkest times, we remain unbreakable,” said Tochitsky. He noted that Ukraine’s fight for its culture is ongoing, with Russia destroying many cultural landmarks.
**Nomination Process**
The nomination process began in 2017 and was based on three elements. Two of these elements are included in Ukraine’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage: “Ukrainian Easter egg: tradition and art” and “Hutsul Easter egg tradition”. The third element, “Ukrainian Easter egg, tradition, and art of decorating Easter eggs”, is included in Estonia’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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