Each Spring, the world celebrates the renewal of life in a variety of holidays, rituals, and handcrafts. No place is more prolific than Eastern Europe. Russia's signature craft, the matrioshka, or nesting doll, takes on new forms. Matrioshka chickens open to reveal surprises inside. Easter eggs from Hungary and Romania are painted, dyed and etched in astonishing detail. They are made in home workshops, and each village or region has its own hallmark style.

Other parts of the world also bring their unique products to the holidays. Kyrgyz felt hens, made in a women's co-op, carry their eggs and chicks on their backs. Wooden eggs, painted with animals and flowers, are made in Nepalese home workshops. In South Africa, glowing copper wire and beaded eggs are hand-formed around real eggs by a cooperative.

Crossroads Trade purchases Easter products through fair trade wholesalers.