This filigree art, which originated in the Slavic countries, has also been practiced in southern Burgenland for around 150 years. The ORF reported on the oldest scratched egg, which dates back to 1907. This find is a real stroke of luck, as boiled eggs used to be decorated using this technique. And then usually eaten.
There are now only four families in Stinatz, Burgenland, who actively practise this creative way of decorating eggs. 62-year-old Wilma Zieserl is one of them.
During a Zoom interview, she gave me a little insight into this very demanding art. It takes a few steps before the eggs look this beautiful. And that starts some time before Easter.
Here's how...
The eggs are first blown out and dried. The subsequent dyeing is a bit of a challenge, as the empty eggs float on the surface first. After the dye bath, they have to dry again. Special care is required here, otherwise you will see the unsightly spots later!
The scoring is done with a steel blade. But you don't just buy one in the store next door. The tool used by Zieserl was cut and sharpened by her husband himself from a block of steel. The mostly traditional motifs are then carved into the fragile eggshell with well-measured pressure. Ornaments, flowers and even names find their way onto the colorful work surface. It only takes Zieserl around 15 minutes to complete her work. Of course, the time required also depends on the motif and the size of the egg.
After applying clear varnish, small works of art are hung up again to dry. They are then given the finishing touch with a finishing pen. This makes the patterns stand out even more. If you prefer a more natural and subtle look, you can also scratch undyed brown eggs.
You can also move with the times when practicing an old tradition. For example, Zieserl recently designed a Barbie egg for a little girl. As a little surprise for her regular customers, she adds a new motif to the classic patterns on the eggshell every year. She herself prefers the traditional patterns that her mother showed her.
As far as the working material is concerned, it's not just chicken eggs that go under the blade. Goose eggs, ostrich eggs or, and this is a particular challenge, quail eggs are also carved.
The Easter eggs made by Zieserl are coveted gifts. In order to pass on her art to future generations, the young-at-heart Burgenlander demonstrates her egg-scratching skills in courses, most recently at the Vienna Adult Education Center.
A few egg myths
- Eggs do not need to be refrigerated. They keep for 28 days after the laying date.
- They taste best when they are cooked from the 7th day after laying.
- Brown eggs are no healthier than white eggs. The egg color has no influence on the nutritional value.
- Do brown eggs come from brown hens and white eggs from white hens? No. The egg color has to do with the chicken breed. You can tell what color the eggs are by looking at the hens' ears. If they are white, the eggs are white; if the ears are light red, the eggs are brown.
Finally, the most famous video on this topic: You simply have to laugh along with this presenter!
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Austria is not the only country with fascinating customs and traditions. In many regions of the world, customs are still actively practiced. So that this knowledge can be passed on to the next generation, I have explained some of them in a child-friendly way.
Find out about the origins of Halloween and St. Patrick's Day, who Befana and Tonttu are and what is celebrated at the Diwali festival.
Please be patient, forwarding may take a moment.
It's worth it!
Sources:
https://reisepsycho.com/eierkratzen-in-stinatz/
Interview with Ms. Wilma Zieserl on April 16, 2025
https://www.puls24.at/news/chronik/mythen-um-das-osterei/402843
Photos and videos:
Provided by and copyright: Mrs. Wilma Zieserl
Video by moderator: Thanks to "Blumenstaub" on YouTube
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