Across cultures, Easter and the spring equinox represent rebirth, renewal, and the reawakening of nature after the dark of winter. Given such, some of the symbols used to celebrate this time of year are eggs, flowers, trees in bud, and baby animals such as chicks and rabbits.
Inspiration for the design of this Easter Tree of Life comes from the Polish paper cut tradition known as Wycinanki, and the egg painting and paper cut decorating tradition called, Pisanki. Wycinanki can be made with colored paper cut outs that are layered on and glued to create a scene, or they can be cut from one sheet of paper. The same approach is employed with Pisanki. The design on the egg (hard boiled or hollow) can be drawn with wax. The egg is then dyed, and the wax removed, revealing a white design amidst the color. Alternatively intricate small paper cut images can be glued on to the egg. Either method results in beautifully intricate and colorful array of designs.
This flat pack Easter Tree of Life is made of plywood and is unpainted. Enjoy it as is or paint your own version with a group of friends.
Instructions included, but please note, for best results, we recommend you remove the tree and eggs and paint them before assembling the tree. Approximate dimensions of tree 15" tall.
Pictured on the left are the sources of inspiration for this kit:
(L) Marianna Pietnak, Lowicz, Poland. c. 1962. Cut paper (“Wycincanki”). Olenden Stanislawa, Poland. ca. 1960.
(R) Cut paper (“Wycincanki”). Gift of Girard Foundation Collection, Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe. Photograph: Blair Clark.