It seems that this cruel cold winter is almost over. I am welcoming spring with open arms and, like many, preparing for Easter. Ever since I was a young girl part of my Easter traditions included making Ukrainian Easter Eggs "Pysanky". This decorative form of art, centuries old, is practiced by Ukrainians worldwide.
Pysanka comes from the word "pysaty" which means to write, as the designs are not painted on but written with beeswax. (The technique used is comparable to the batik process of dye-wax-resist.) This tradition of writing pysanky has been taught from mother to daughter, one generation to the next, to preserve our heritage and culture.
There is rich symbolism in the colors and designs written on the egg. Flowers represent women with their wisdom and beauty while a ram represents men and their leadership and perseverance. There are many more definitions of the designs. Friends exchange blessed pysanky as gifts as they are talismans of good fortune. Most importantly, pysanky are a joyous symbol of rebirth, renewed life and resurrection.
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If you would like to see how they are made, please visit the Easter Bazaar at the Ukrainian Center in Palatine at 136 E. Illinois St on April 5 and 6. Pysanka artists will demonstrate the techniques and tools used in writing Pysanky. Admission is free and you are welcome to attend.
