Ukrainian Pysanky (Easter Eggs)
Along with embroidered towels and Vyshyvanka, Ukrainian Pysanka (Painted Easter egg) is one of the oldest branches of Ukrainian folk art. The first acquaintance with Ukrainian ornaments reveals common with ornaments of similar objects from a Tripoli culture.
Ukrainian tradition of painting Easter eggs is rooted in ancient times, when people have not so much detached from nature. Why the egg? Perhaps that ancient people struck by the appearance of inanimate objects a new life. The symbolism of Easter eggs - a symbolism of joy, and so it has come since ancient pagan times to us. Easter egg symbolized the rebirth of spring nature, warmth and victory of light over darkness, cold, winter and night. Our ancestors were wise, and thus able to combine Christianity with ancient beliefs, the idea of combining salvation from the darkness of the lightest ancient images of the past. That is the adoption of Christianity Easter eggs, gradually entered on Easter rites, are symbols of Christ's resurrection. Thus, dyed (dyed in the colors of the rainbow egg) and Ukrainian pysanky (eggs, painted and painted a variety of signs, that was the kind of ornamental symbols) are archetypal symbols of infinity in his eternal life peretvoryuvanosti, promynalnosti-vidrodzhuvanosti in Christianity - God's resurrection and rebirth nature.
Today Easter egg appears as a work of folk art. Ukrainian pysanky different ethnographic areas include technical and ornamental features, but have common genetic and functional principles.
In Ukraine there are several museums, which holds eggs and egg-painting technology. In Kiev, the National Museum of Ukrainian Decorative Folk Art department is eggs. The famous museum "Easter egg" in Coloma, in Ivano-Frankivsk. In Skhidnytsya, Lviv region, recently opened a monument to the egg. A large egg painted villagers and students of the local school. So they found respect for ancient traditions and indissoluble spiritual connection to the ancestors, to their roots.
Other nations of the world revered the egg and have their own attributes his praise. And apparently none of the people not told until today its autochthonous graphic picture of life so clearly, as Ukrainian.
How do the complex multicolored egg with pattern is born? Originally by pysachok (a special brush) applied to unpainted egg those strips, that elements of the ornament, which, by design, must be white. Then dip the egg in most lighter paint, usually light yellow. Then on dry surface painted eggs put wax line, which should be light yellow color, and then dipped in egg dye, say, dark yellow, then write the elements of dark yellow and lowered egg to have darker colors - red, then under to dark cherry, brown or black. Finally the egg is heated in a furnace or hot water to come down the wax - and Ukrainian Pysanka is ready.
The fame of the beauty and originality of the Ukrainian Pysanka have long reached the farthest countries. Many foreign museums interested in them. The largest collection of Ukrainian Pysanky outside of Ukraine is in the Royal Museum in St. Petersburg, the former Museum of Ethnography of the Soviet peoples in Krakow and Prague museums.
History of Ukrainian Pysanka
So far our ancestors wrote Eggs . This tradition has for nearly 8000 years. Of course, eventually writing rules simplified. Water is simple, boiled, Easter eggs pysanky - specially made as a small metal funnel, and paint are taken as "from God and from the people." But tradition had passed all odds and managed to survive to this day.
Video: How to Dye & Color Easter Eggs
”FAQ
What materials are used to make Ukrainian pysanky?
Ukrainian pysanky are traditionally made using a wax-resist method on raw eggs. The eggs can be white or brown and are typically cleaned and prepared by washing them in warm soapy water before they are decorated. The main materials used to create pysanky are beeswax, a special tool called a kistka, and dyes made from natural materials such as onion skins, tree bark, berries, and flowers. Some contemporary artists may also use synthetic dyes to achieve specific colors. The wax is used to draw intricate designs and patterns on the eggs, which then serve as a resist for the dyes, creating a multicolored effect. The finished eggs are then varnished to protect the designs.
What are the different symbols and colors used in Ukrainian pysanky?
Ukrainian pysanky are decorated with a wide range of symbols and colors, each of which has a special meaning. Some of the most common colors used in pysanky include white, which represents purity and innocence, yellow, which represents fertility and prosperity, and green, which represents spring and hope. Red is another popular color, symbolizing joy and passion. Pysanky may also feature a variety of symbols, such as stars, crosses, suns, and spirals. These symbols can have a range of meanings, such as the star representing purity and truth, or the cross symbolizing faith and unity. Different regions of Ukraine may also have their own unique symbols and color palettes for pysanky.
Are there any special tools needed to make Ukrainian pysanky?
Yes, there are some special tools needed to make Ukrainian pysanky. The most important tool is a special stylus called a kistka, which is used to apply melted beeswax to the eggshell in order to create the design. The kistka has a small funnel at the end that holds the wax and allows it to flow onto the eggshell in a controlled manner. Other tools include a candle or other heat source to keep the wax melted, a pencil or other tool for sketching the design onto the eggshell, and various dyes or pigments for coloring the egg. Some artists also use special wax removers or other tools to clean the eggshell and remove excess wax.
Can children make Ukrainian pysanky?
Yes, children can make Ukrainian pysanky with adult supervision. In fact, pysanky making is often a family activity during the Easter season in Ukraine. The process of creating pysanky involves several steps that can be adapted to accommodate different ages and skill levels. Younger children may need help with handling the eggs and the wax, while older children can create more intricate designs. There are also special pysanky kits available that include all the necessary materials and instructions, which can make the process easier for children. Making pysanky can be a fun and educational activity that helps children learn about Ukrainian culture and traditions.
How are Ukrainian pysanky displayed or used during Easter?
Ukrainian pysanky are traditionally displayed and used during Easter in a variety of ways. They can be hung on trees, branches, or in windows as decorations, or placed in baskets of food for blessing on Holy Saturday. In some regions of Ukraine, pysanky are also buried in the ground as part of a pre-Christian ritual to ensure a good harvest.
Another popular use of pysanky is in the Ukrainian Easter egg game, where players take turns tapping their eggs against each other to see whose egg remains uncracked. The winner is believed to have good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
In recent years, Ukrainian pysanky have also become popular gifts and souvenirs for tourists, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
