Pysanky-Ukrainian Easter Eggs

These are a traditional craft in Ukraine, with a history of thousands of years. The method is similar to batik - patterns are drawn on the egg with wax, which then protects the covered areas from the dye that is applied. By repeating this process with different colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up. Finally, the wax is removed to reveal the colors that were covered up at each stage. The symbols and colors used are rich in meaning; many pre-date the arrival of Christianity, and have had Christian interpretations layered on afterward.

The ones above belong to my Canadian friend, Cheryl. Some are real eggs, some wooden. She painted some as a child while others were passed down from her mother. I was able to purchase my own hand painted pysanky while in Shoal Lake, MB.