Greek Egg Painting In this Workshop, Learners will decorate eggs using a variety of techniques common in Greece, and practiced by Greek Orthodo... full details $35.00 / per workshop Book Workshop Gift A Workshop
About this Workshop Description In this Workshop, Learners will decorate eggs using a variety of techniques common in Greece, and practiced by Greek Orthodox Christians during the Holy Week of Easter. These include stenciling a leaf pattern, marbling, using rice to create a speckled texture, and decoupage. Learners will also discover a game that is played using the eggs in Greece, which they may play after the Workshop. The custom of painting eggs is an ancient one, as eggs are considered a symbol of fertility and wealth. The obvious fact that baby chicks come out of eggs has led people to relate eggs with the regeneration of nature and springtime. For Greek Orthodox Christians, the color red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and generally life in all its forms. Therefore, we traditionally paint the eggs red to celebrate life and love. As the custom has become more modern through time, we now also paint the eggs in other colors as well, and by using a variety of designs and techniques. The dyed eggs are kept in a nice decorated bowl together with the Greek sweet bread that we also make for Easter, along with some small chocolate eggs. After celebrating the Resurrection, each of us picks an egg from the bowl to play the cracking game, or "tsougkrisma" as we call it. Two people compete by holding their respective egg in their hand and tapping at each other's egg. The goal is to crack the other player's egg. The winner of that round then uses the same end of the egg to tap the other non-cracked end of the opponent's egg. The "winner" is the one whose egg will crack the eggs of all other players. Every time this takes place, the couples repeat the same dialogue: One egg holder says "Christ is Risen" and chinks the other egg holder's egg. The other person replies, "truly Risen," or "Indeed." This takes on Easter Saturday at midnight, when we come back from church, or the following day during Paschal feasts. Please note: This Workshop is recommended to children ages 6+ with an adult nearby to help them with the hot water needed for some techniques.
What You'll Need GLOkit What's a GLOkit? Greek Egg Painting GLOkit The GLOkit contains: one small egg tray, a small paintbrush, one plastic cup with lid, a printed napkin, four pieces of stockings, three twist ties, and food coloring in assorted colors. GLOkit Included Additional Supplies The best place to do this workshop is the kitchen since you will need access to a sink, a trash bin, and hot water (preferably from the stove or other heater). Each Learner will also need: 2 brown eggs, already hard-boiled and cooled 5 white eggs, already hard-boiled and cooled Oil, such as vegetable, canola or sunflower Vinegar Rice The white of one egg, in a bowl 1 small leaf, either basil, mint or parsley 1 glass of room temperature water 1 pot of very hot water 1 cup or bowl (that can fit 2 eggs covered in water) 2 soup bowls 2 plates covered with untextured paper towels to place eggs to dry A set of measuring spoons, or a Tablespoon and a teaspoon A fork Paper towels 1 colored or printed napkin (optional) Scissors (optional) Disposable gloves (optional) Please note: You may prepare additional eggs if you would like to continue making more eggs using these techniques after the Workshop. Technical Requirements You will need a device (computer or tablet) that is equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers. For more information, please check out our Technical Requirements page.
Greek Egg Painting GLOkit The GLOkit contains: one small egg tray, a small paintbrush, one plastic cup with lid, a printed napkin, four pieces of stockings, three twist ties, and food coloring in assorted colors. GLOkit Included
Meet the Instructor Anna SiampaniView Profile I am Anna, and I am from Greece! I work as a crafts instructor for natives and tourists, and as a columnist covering cultural topics. In the summer, I occasionally work on the sail boats as a hostess. This allows me to meet people from all over the world, and also to travel to the Greek islands, and go swimming in our beautiful seas! I love art and freedom, and I enjoy being with other people and sharing cultures. My passion is for crafts that have to do with chemical processes that work like experiments. Growing up, this love of experiments led me to study physics, and that was the beginning of my current focus on making natural handmade soaps and creams. The idea that unique results can come from raw and fresh materials excites me. This is why I also love cooking! As an instructor, what I have found most exciting is to teach kids, because they are always positive, open-minded, and well-intentioned. Dyeing the eggs makes kids so happy! When I teach older children and adults, I enjoy the chance to go a little deeper and communicate interesting stuff about chemistry. Creating soaps and creams with others gives me this valuable opportunity. Greece is known to people around the world for its captivating islands, beaches, and delicious food. It is also considered to be the mother of theater, philosophy, and democracy. People here like to discuss a lot, and we are very close with our families. Swimming in summer is perhaps what makes me never want to leave this country. On a typical summer day, we go to the beach and then gather with the family for lunch. In the evening we might go to the theater, or go for a walk as long we are in good company.
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