Ukrainian tradition and Art of eggs’ decorating was recognized as humanity heritage (Photo: Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications)
The Ukrainian pysanka (decorated Easter egg) was recognized as a cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications wrote on Dec. 3.
The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity now includes the first international element jointly submitted by Ukraine and Estonia: Pysanka: Ukrainian Tradition and Art of Egg Decoration.
The Ministry’s (MCSC) head Mykola Tochytskyi celebrated this success and international recognition of unique Ukrainian traditions, which are preserved in the country despite Russian attempts to destroy Ukraine as an independent country.
“This is our shared success that demonstrates the strength of our unity,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the aggressor continues to destroy our culture, monuments, theaters, libraries, and museums. Our artists — the carriers of living heritage — are dying in the fight for our homeland. Their loss strikes at the very heart of our identity because living heritage cannot exist without people. Yet, even in the darkest times, we remain resilient.”
According to him, the inclusion of the Ukrainian pysanka in UNESCO’s Representative List is a testament to this resilience.
“We declar to the world: living heritage unites us, provides a sense of belonging, and embodies our identity,” he added.
-The MCSC explained that work on the nomination began in 2017 following a meeting with the Ukrainian community in Estonia.
The nomination comprises three elements: two are part of Ukraine’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage — Ukrainian Pysanka: Tradition and Art and The Hutsul Pysanka Tradition.
Another element, Ukrainian Pysanka: Tradition and Art of Easter Egg Decorationwas added to Estonia’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
“The recognition of the Ukrainian pysanka as a cultural heritage of humanity showcases to the world that Ukrainian culture is an integral part of global culture, rooted in respect for creative diversity, and for the culture and traditions of its people,” the ministry emphasized.
Currently, UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage includes 611 elements representing five regions and 140 states that are parties to the Convention. Ukraine’s contributions to the list include:
- Petrykivka Decorative Paintinga phenomenon of Ukrainian ornamental folk art (2013);
- The Tradition of Kosiv Painted Ceramics (2019);
- Example (Example), Crimean Tatar ornamentation and related knowledge (2021).
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