pysanky
Pysanka or pysanky, which is the plural form, is the word used to specifically describe Easter eggs made with wax resist and decorated using the traditional Ukrainian folk patterns.
It is believed that the practice of creating these eggs dates back to ancient times, but due to the fragile nature of eggs no examples of ancient pysanka exist. The oldest real examples of these eggs that has been found is believed to date from some time around the end of the 17th century. |
In order to create these beautiful eggs, it is customary to start with a raw egg. Then alternating layers of molten wax and dye are applied to the egg starting with the lightest colors and moving to the darkest colors, thus creating a pattern in a manner similar to batik. When the egg has been dyed the final and darkest of colors it is then either put in the oven or boiled briefly to remove the wax.
Over the years the patterns used on the eggs have changed and evolved due to the switch from paganism to Christianity, but for the most part, traditional patterns can be grouped into a few different basic families. These are as follows:
Geometric Patterns – This is the most common symbol used in this arts form and is often the basis for other designs on the egg.
Christian Symbols- Most so-called Christian symbols depicted on eggs are actually symbols that were adapted from earlier pagan pysanka motifs. It is believed that the only truly Christian symbols found on pysanky is the image of the church.
Plant Motifs – Drawing from the world around them, flowers, trees, fruit and leaves were common designs used by the artists creating the eggs. Each plant that used had a different symbolic meaning.
Man-made Objects- These are generally items used in agriculture or housekeeping, such as ladders, baksets, rakes and combs. These symbols were used to ensure success both on the farm and in the home.
Animal Motifs – These were not the most popular designs, but were still commonly found. The animal depicted on the egg was supposed to symbolize some strength of that particular animal that the artist wished to see or emulate in the coming year.
Cosmological Symbols-These are the oldest types of symbols found on pysanka and include, most commonly the sun and sometimes the moon and stars as well.
Over the years the patterns used on the eggs have changed and evolved due to the switch from paganism to Christianity, but for the most part, traditional patterns can be grouped into a few different basic families. These are as follows:
Geometric Patterns – This is the most common symbol used in this arts form and is often the basis for other designs on the egg.
Christian Symbols- Most so-called Christian symbols depicted on eggs are actually symbols that were adapted from earlier pagan pysanka motifs. It is believed that the only truly Christian symbols found on pysanky is the image of the church.
Plant Motifs – Drawing from the world around them, flowers, trees, fruit and leaves were common designs used by the artists creating the eggs. Each plant that used had a different symbolic meaning.
Man-made Objects- These are generally items used in agriculture or housekeeping, such as ladders, baksets, rakes and combs. These symbols were used to ensure success both on the farm and in the home.
Animal Motifs – These were not the most popular designs, but were still commonly found. The animal depicted on the egg was supposed to symbolize some strength of that particular animal that the artist wished to see or emulate in the coming year.
Cosmological Symbols-These are the oldest types of symbols found on pysanka and include, most commonly the sun and sometimes the moon and stars as well.
This art form was nearly lost when the practice was banished in the Ukraine. Thankfully, however, at the same time it was banished it was also brought to North and South America where it was preserved for future generations. Since 1991, with the Ukraine gaining its independence, pysanka has experienced something of a rebirth, for which the Ukrainian folks are no doubt grateful. After all, legend states that should the creation of pysanky no longer happen then the world will cease to exist!
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more great info on pysanky in this book! |