From Ukraine, with Love - Writing Life through Pysanky

Direct from Ukrainian Folk Artist Lesia Pona - Pysanka/Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Ukrainians have been decorating eggs creating these small jewels for many generations. Archeologists have discovered ceramic Pysanky in Ukraine dating back to 1300 B.C. The symbolism comes from the ancient Trypillian culture in Ukraine. The symbolism echoes’ people’s close attachment to the universe and elements of nature. For Ukrainians, the Pysanka brings good fortune, wealth, health and protection to the home- and it is also a symbol of life, because our planet looks like an egg. 

A Note from the Artisan, Lesia

Due to the old Carpatian legend this world will exist as long as pysanky would be written. In other words, we all have to value and live our life besides any , sometimes horrible, circumstances in which we are in. There is nothing more priceless than life itself, you realise it being under shelling and having your beloved lost every day. The last winter we survived was extremely hard as power stations targeted didn’t produce enough electricity, and we had daily outages up to 18 hours in -20 C., so I’m really happy that it’s finally spring

I remember myself when the war started: we all had a hope it  would stop tomorrow, in three days, in a week … I don’t know how and when it will end, but I’m grateful to all our friends who think, pray and support us. Let beauty and peace prevail.

From Ukraine with love.

The Making of Pysanka

STEP ONE: The hot wax is added on the prepared blown up chicken egg, creating an ornament with a special tool called “pysak” (from Ukrainian word “pysaty” which means “to write”, in Ukraine we said: pysanka  is written.

STEP TWO: Then it gets dyed, from lighter color to darker, as many times as it needs for each ornament; after each dying hot wax is added again so that parts covered with the wax remain a certain color.

STEP THREE: When all the parts of ornament are done and covered with wax , pysanka should be carefully cleaned over the flame of candle, so that wax will melt and you will see nice and bright ornament.

Here are some common symbols written in Pysanka:

Rose or Star is one of the most beautiful geometric representations and signifies purity, life, lightness, the center of all knowledge as well as beauty, elegance, and perfection. In the Christina context, it became the herald of Christ’s birth, a symbol of God’s love toward humanity.

Fish are a symbol of Christianity, reflecting abundance, regenerative powers and sacrifice. It is also a symbol of wisdom and intelligence. 

The Deer/Stag is an ancient ideogram that signifies leadership, victory, joy, good health and masculinity.

Horses are a symbol of wealth and prosperity, endurance and speed; it also emphasizes the motion of the sun. 

Birds are a symbol of freedom, creativity and independence; its flying is like human dreams. Birds are also considered to be harbingers of spring. 

Read more about Lesia on our previous blog post: https://www.culturalcloth.com/blogs/stories-from-around-the-globe/making-art-in-the-midst-of-war-a-conversation-with-master-ukrainian-embroiderer-lesia-pona