Ukrainian eggs, or pysanky, are a part of a rich history of tradition in Ukrainian culture. While other countries in Eastern Europe may have similar traditions, pysanky in Ukraine were, historically, an integral part of Ukrainians' cultural heritage and ritualistic practices. Ukrainians have even believed that pysanky are responsible for keeping evil from taking over the world.
What are Psyanky?:
Pysanky are a special type of Ukrainian decorative egg. They are decorated with batik; that is, beeswax is used to trace designs on eggs that are then dyed in different colors according to the intention of the designer. "Pysanky" comes from the Ukrainain word for "to write." Designs on eggs may be painted, scratched, or dyed without design, but only pysanky are eggs decorated using the beeswax-and-dye method.
Tradition of Pysanky:
The pysanky tradition dates back to Pagan times in Ukraine. A symbol of eternity (the surface of an egg may be followed without end), pysanky were responsible for maintaining a balance between good an evil in the world. The more pysanky that existed, the harder it became for evil to gain power. Eggs also symbolized fertility, rebirth, springtime, and the sun. When Christianity infiltrated the Pagan rituals of creating pysanky, Ukrainian eggs symbolized the resurrection of Christ.
How Pysanky Were Decorated:
Pysanky were colored using natural dyes from fruits, vegetables, flowers, leaves, and bark. Women worked at night to prepare eggs. Symbols and decorations were passed from generation to generation and tended to be regional. After the eggs had been decorated, the yolk was blown out using two tiny holes on either tip of the egg and the inside was allowed to dry.
How Pysanky Were Used:
Ukrainian eggs were given to relatives, friends, and respected village members. Eggs were also placed around the house for protection, arranged at the graves of loved ones, and used around family farms to promote good harvests, healthy livestock, and prosperous beehives.
Symbolism of Pysanky:
Pysanky are still created in Ukraine today, typically around Easter. Symbolism of pysanky range from animals, to flowers, to geometric designs. Both Christian and Pagan symbols have survived and evolved from ancient times.
Commonly, eternity bands are used to divide and egg into halves or quadrants. Triangles represent the Trinity. Colors also imbue special meaning onto the surface of the egg. For example, the color blue represents purity, health, and fidelity, while yellow signifies joy, birth, and virginity.
For more information on the Eastern European Easter egg tradition, see Faberge Eggs and Rusyn Pysanky.
