London SE1 community website

Giant Easter egg appears in Borough churchyard

London SE1 website team

A giant Easter egg brought a little bit of Poland to the streets of Borough on Holy Saturday last weekend.

Giant Easter egg appears in Borough churchyard
Giant Easter egg appears in Borough churchyard

Children, artists and representatives of the local and Polish communities gathered to paint the seven-foot plaster structure outside St George the Martyr church.

Organised by Nowy Czas, a Polish newspaper published in London, the event invited people to take part in the Polish tradition of decorating eggs, or pianski, and was part of an effort to introduce Polish culture to a wider audience.

"We wanted to involve artists associated with Nowy Czas to combine an old tradition with modern installation," said event organiser Teresa Bazarnik.

"Events like this are important in challenging stereotypes of Poles as builders and cleaners only interested in money. They allow us to integrate into a British, multicultural society."

Decorating eggs is an Easter tradition in Poland dating back to the 10th century. Previously only women were allowed to decorate Pisanki while men were banished from the house in the belief that they could put a spell on the eggs and cause bad luck.

The day also included children's painting workshops, artists' displays and a feast of Polish food and delicacies.

Future Nowy Czas events at St George the Martyr include 'Signs of Ethiopia', an exhibition of Polish photographer Richard Szydlo's work as part of the St George in Southwark Festival, and a four-day celebration of Polish culture in September.

The SE1 website is supported by people like you
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.

Archive
News archive from February 1999 to January 2001
Got a story for us?
Contact us with your tip-offs and story ideas.