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Posted by Kerry Kubilius May 9, 2006 |
The Rusyn technique of egg decoration is one of the cultural artifacts that has been passed from generation to generation, and it is something that helps to distinguish the Rusyns from other ethnic groups of Eastern Europe. This heritage has been especially important with Rusyn diaspora, who, without even an official nation to tell their children and grandchildren about, has had to preserve their culture through the teaching of traditions that they were taught.
The tradition of pysanky, or egg-decoration, can be traced back to Pagan times, when Rusyns, Ukranians, and other ethnic groups used eggs for luck, for protection, as gifts, and as a part of ritual. It might be argued that the symbolism of pysanky has been rendered meaningless. However, for groups striving to keep their identities alive, traditions such as pysanky have taken on new meaning.