To Write Love on Eggs

The ancient art of Ukrainian Pysanka

The egg is a symbol of new life and rebirth in folklore. Because of this, the egg is the chosen medium for the ancient art of Pysanka (PIH-sahn-kah; plural form Pysanky, pronounced pih-sahn-KIH). Pysanka is the Ukrainian art of egg decorating that uses hot beeswax and several colors of dye to create a work of art.

The eggs are covered with symbols and designs from early Slavic cultures that date back to pre-Christian times. The egg yolk itself was symbolic of the sun, which was the most powerful natural element to pagans. Christianity brought a new interpretation to the symbols and designs, and the egg became an important part of Easter rituals.

Barbara Duncan is a semi-retired educator and Pysanka artist from Jackson, Missouri. Duncan discovered her love for the art of Pysanky on a trip to the Ukraine with local educators and community members in the 1990s. Duncan brought back several of the detailed, colorful eggs and took it upon herself to learn the art of Pysanky.

Duncan has shared her love and technique of Pysanky with her family, teaching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are as young as the age of four.

�Every symbol has meaning, and all colors have meaning,� Duncan says. When creating an egg for someone as a gift, as is traditional in the Ukraine, she says that the artist �chooses colors that will enhance their day.�

For example, spirals symbolize divinity or immortality, birds symbolize bringing good news and stars symbolize God�s love towards man. The color white symbolizes purity or innocence, while red symbolizes spirituality, love and passion.

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Each egg is covered with detailed symbols that draw their inspiration from nature. The interpretation of these symbols in pagan times was that the egg could ward off evil spirits and provide health, good luck or prosperity to whomever it was given. Christian interpretation of the symbols included new life, rebirth and redemption through Christ�s resurrection.

One Ukrainian legend detailing the origin of Easter eggs has been handed down through the generations. It goes like this: when Christ was dying on the cross, blood fell from his wounds. Wherever a drop would fall, a red Easter egg was created. Mary�s falling tears became elaborate designs on the eggs once they landed. Mary gathered all of the eggs and took them to Pontius Pilate to ask for permission to bury Jesus. Along the way, Mary handed out an egg to each child she passed, along with a message to live in peace. This folklore has since been incorporated into the Easter traditions we are familiar with and celebrate today.

Pysanka is mesmerizing to watch; it seems almost ritualistic and therapeutic for the artist. It is an art that requires patience and a delicate hand. Celebrate springtime and Easter by attending Duncan�s Psyanka class at the River Campus in March, the perfect time to bring the art to life in Southeast Missouri.