In the region of Spiš, the spring equinox and the arrival of spring have always been connected with folk customs and traditions. Spring festivals marked the end of winter's supremacy and the victory of sun. The major feast celebrated in spring is Easter.
Spring begins when the sun finds itself in the position of the so called spring full moon. The celebration of Easter belongs to earliest traditions. In pre-Christian times, it was meant to welcome the arrival of spring. The awakening nature has always gone hand in hand with joy and optimism. Spring is symbolised by the egg that represents sun, new life and fertility. On the other hand, Easter is characterised by a whip („korbáč“ in Slovak) made of fresh green twigs. It is a sign of strength, health and freshness that can be transfered to another person by symbolic whipping. On early Easter Monday morning young men come and whip the girls or sprinkle them with fresh water. The girls reward them with decorated eggs, known as kraslice.
How can an Easter egg be decorated? How does a gingerbread baked with love taste? What does a whip look like that provides girls with health, hapiness, beauty and dexterity? What about other Easter decorations? You may see and try at the Easter Market in Prešov.
How is the date of Easter identified, when does the astronomical and astrological spring start and how is it determined? You will find out at the Observatory and Planetarium in the town Prešov, the cultural and educational centre unique in transforming science into emotions.
source: Spoločnosť Michala Bosáka Prešov
author: Gabriela Hudáková