Gramfestés

Gramfestés is a traditional Hungarian folk art form that involves decorating eggs with intricate patterns using wax and dyes. The term "gramfestés" itself is derived from the Hungarian word for grandmother, "nagymama," suggesting the art form was often passed down through generations. The process typically begins with a raw or blown egg, usually a chicken egg. A stylus, often made of a metal cone attached to a wooden handle, is heated and then used to apply melted beeswax to the eggshell. This wax acts as a resist, preventing the dye from penetrating the areas it covers.

The egg is then dipped into a colored dye. After drying, more wax can be applied to create new patterns, and the egg is dipped into another color. This layering process is repeated multiple times, allowing for a wide range of complex and vibrant designs. Common motifs include floral patterns, geometric shapes, and stylized representations of nature, often carrying symbolic meanings. The final step involves gently melting away the wax with a heat source, such as a candle flame or hot water, revealing the underlying colors and the intricate patterns created by the wax resist. Gramfestés is particularly associated with Easter traditions in Hungary, where decorated eggs are exchanged as gifts and used as decorations.