Easter eggs 'pysanka'
A 'pysanka' Easter egg is a symbol of the Sun god, resurrection, and springtime renewal. From the most ancient of times, Ukrainians have painted the birds’ eggs with magical patterns, aided by wax and natural dyes.
Pysanky eggs are created during Lent in preparation for Easter. Many are drawn during this time, a whole basket — some would be taken for blessing at church, some given as gifts to relatives and friends (a special one for a groom), some placed under icons until the next year.
Pysanky eggs have served as talismans and medicine. On Saint George’s Day, the sacred egg would be rolled over every inch of cattle, from head to tail, to keep them smooth and healthy. On the morning of Easter, young women would infuse water with their pysanky and dukach — for beauty and wealth. Pysanky are mediators between the world of the living and the world of spirits. After Easter breakfast, the shells of the pysanky would be thrown into the river and be carried beyond the sea to our ancestral “Rahmans”, declaring to them that “Christ has risen!” Our Elders say, “The world will exist for as long as people “write” pysanky”.
