Sprinkling water is a Hungarian tradition for the festival. Pallavi Gupta learnt more about such rituals at an egg painting workshop
Giggles, laughter, murmurs and whispers filled the room. The sight at the Hungarian Center was pleasing to the eyes. There were eggs all over, some partially painted and some waiting for their turn to be picked by eager bunch of kids. Attending an egg painting workshop at the Hungarian Centre was a joyful experience. “Easter is a day of eggs. On this festival we fill our basket with colourful eggs. It is also a day when men sprinkle water on women,” an enthusiastic kid from Hungary told us. There were many kids like him, completely engaged in painting eggs.
Teachers moved around the painting zone explaining young artists different techniques of egg painting. Orsi Jarmy, a Hungarian coordinator at the workshop, said, “Easter in Hungary is celebrated with frolic. Till date Hungarians quote in their normal way of speaking that ‘if I give you something which is breakable, please take care of it as you would take care of an Easter egg’. Also, the red painted eggs bespeak the love of shy and silent hearts. Sprinkling water is an old tradition in Hungary where young girls get dressed in their folk costumes and men pour water on them. It is believed that water has healing effect on women,” she added.
With the Hippity Hoppity Easter on its way, the glee of celebration was truly felt among the excited kids at the workshop.