They are everywhere............in my plants, in my vases, behind glass doors.................pysanky!Ukrainian people, like myself, have been doing the art of egg-decorating, pysanky/pysanka, for years and years and even centuries. It is a unique art which doesn't come easy; as those of you who have tried it can attest. But when you have accomplished your first egg, you will feel the pride and excitement we have been experiencing every time one gets completed. Or should I say, unveiled - which is what happens when the egg is 90 or 100% covered in wax at the end of the decorating and you must melt the wax off the egg to uncover/unveil the exquisite labor of love.
There are many stories behind the origin of the pysanka but my favorite is how a woman was taking her basket of eggs to market to sell when she saw Christ carrying his cross through the street of Jerusalem. Her grief so deep at the sight, she began to cry and her tears, upon falling on the eggs, created wonderful designs on the eggs.
The intricate designs/symbols on each egg tell stories of love, wealth, good crops, happy events and much more.
Some craft stores have a few supplies needed to make these easter fancies. You only need a stylus, beeswax, candle (lit), dyes and an egg. If you aren't able to find these locally, try the Ukrainian Gift Shop, www.ukrainiangiftshop.com. This family has been selling supplies and other Ukrainian items for many generations. I can attest to the quality of their pysanky-making materials.
After forty-five years of making pysanky and having my children all enjoy making at least one every easter season, I hope this post will enlighten others to try it and feel such awe each time you look at it in the palm of your hand.
