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Rusyn Pysanky Easter EggsUnlinke the Ukranian tradition of painting these motifs and ancient symbols.The Rusyn pysanky tradition differs stylistically from the pysanky tradition of the Ukranians.
Many ethnic groups in Eastern Europe share the traditional practice of pysanky, most famously the Ukranians. The Rusyns are no different in that respect . . . but their stylistic tradition of painting eggs is. The most obvious manner in which Rusyn pysanky defines itself is by the comma-like markings that are used. That is, the lines begin with a rounded end then curve into a point like a comma (you could also liken it to the shape of a perfectly-plucked eyebrow). For example, the "magic circle" pysanky motif was made up of a central dot with radiating "commas," forming a stylized sun. Many other ancient symbols besides the magic circle have been passed down from Rusyn mother to Rusyn daughter. These symbols were female in theme, due to the overarching idea that eggs were related to fertility and therefore motherhood. The "grand goddess" and "earth mother" symbols no doubt hearken from Pagan times, before Christianity spread throughout Eastern Europe. These symbols of Rusyn pysanky are highly stylized; it would be difficult to tell what the images represented without being told by someone educated in the Rusyn pysanky tradition. In the ancient Rusyn tradition, swallows symbolized spring (another feminine symbol; spring and "birth" or "rebirth" are inherently linked). A single swallow, drawn with a dot (the head of the bird) and three comma-like markings (one for the body and two for the wings) could decorate an egg. Alternatively, the egg could be banded in swallows. Environmental symbols as well as animal symbols were important in Rusyn pysanky. The stars, water, trees, snakes, bees, and even spiders made appearances on the dyed eggs. The Rusyns also developed a manner of decoration that was different, not only stylistically, from the Ukrainians. They would use burnt beeswax to decorate a white or dyed egg, then leave the wax to serve as the sole decoration on the surface. The special psyanky tradition of the Rusyns is still a special cultural link from older to younger generations. References Danko-McGhee, Katherina. "Talismans of the Carpatho-Rusyn Woman: The Ritual Practices and Symbol System in the Art of Pysanky." Journal of Art and Design Education. Vol. 18, Issue 3, 1999. 307-315.
The copyright of the article Rusyn Pysanky Easter Eggs in E European History is owned by Kerry Kubilius. Permission to republish Rusyn Pysanky Easter Eggs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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