Easter Eggs in Ukraine
Pysanky is the tradition of Ukraine Easter egg painting. Theses eggs are known throughout the world for the intricate designs and the beauty.
This tradition started as a pagan celebration of spring, but was adapted to support
Christian beliefs. One legend tells the story of the drops of Christ’s blood falling to the earth as he hung on the cross, upon hitting the ground
they turned into red Easter eggs. Then Mary’s tears fell upon the eggs and caused brilliant designs to appear. The eggs were then spread
throughout the world.
Photos of Pysanky Eggs - Brama: Photos of
pysanky eggs
The pysanky egg is made through a complex process of wax painting and dying the egg. This process requires an eye for
detail and patience, but the resulting eggs are worth the effort and the work. You should purchase dyes that are specifically designed for the
Pysanky dying process. These dyes will have richer color, and you will have more color options available to you.
Resources for Learning to Make Pysanky Eggs
- Tostanoski: Explains common symbols found on Pysanky Eggs
- Video Jug: Video showing the steps and processes in making an egg
To begin you start by drawing a design on the egg with a pencil. It is important to
think about the color scheme you are trying to do at this time, because it will affect the way that you create your design. The design will give
you a basis to follow as you begin to apply the wax to the egg.
Next you will apply wax to all areas of the egg that you wish to
remain white. Then you will dye your egg in the lightest color that you want on your egg. Here is a picture showing this stage.
Allow the
egg to dry and then apply the wax to the egg where you want the current color of dye to show through. Then dye the egg in the next to lightest color.
You need to work from lightest to darkest dye, so that the lighter dyes will show up on the egg correctly.
You will repeat this process
with each color that you want on your egg, going from lightest to darkest. Be sure to apply wax to the areas that you want to remain the current color,
and then dying the egg the next color.
Once you have finished the design you will melt the wax off of the egg. This is not a difficult
process; simply hold the egg next to the flame of a candle. Then wipe the melted wax off with a tissue. If the wax is not coming off you may use
lighter fuel to remove it, but do not put it next to the candle flame again. Be sure not to hold the egg above the flame, because the smoke will
mark your egg.
Once you are finished, you can hollow out the egg. This is an essential step if you plan on keeping the egg for
display. You may need to purchase a kit to do this. Simply poke a small hole in the bottom of the egg and use a straw to pull the yolk and
white out of the egg.
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