The tradition of PYSANKY dates back to the Neolithic Era, when ancient man lived in caves. Eggs were considered a mystical object that created life. Preserving animal images on an egg was believed to ensure the eminent capture of that hunted animal. It was believed that drawing other objects brought that object to man. It was a way of harbouring the spirit or essence of the object drawn.

Man evolved and tools became more advanced, designs grew more complex and new colours were created. The basic premise remained. A grain would elicit a good harvest. A sheep would elicit wealth. Eventually written eggs were given to others as a goodwill gesture.

As Christianity spread Christian symbolism was incorporated into Pysanky. The star now stands for Christ and love; the cross for Christianity. The underlying meaning of all Pysanky is a wish for love, happiness, and the creation of wealth.

All Pysanky are created the same way but no two eggs are the same. The designs differ on each egg and because an individual is writing on the egg there are always subtle differences. All the designs incorporated are an accumulation of symbols, patterns and colours.

The name Pysanky, the plural form, has root in the Ukrainian 'pysaty' which means 'to write'. Pysanka is the singular form.

The art of Pysanky appears to be a diminishing art form. As cultural imperatives give way to modern thought, lifestyles and deterioration of the nuclear family, the importance of retaining pysanky skills has begun to wane. The numbers of accomplished Pysanky artists continues to decline.

It is not difficult to create Pysanky but it does take practice, patience, a steady hand, and attention to detail, a few special tools, equipment and resources.

A hollow cone with a pinhole at the narrow end is the writing tool used to draw with hot beeswax onto an egg. The 'kistka', Ukrainian for "little bone," has progressed from a small hollowed-out bone strapped to a stick, to a copper cone, to brass. The modern tool is heated by electricity instead of the flame of a candle. Beeswax overlays written designs and eggs are dipped into a series of dyes to place the desired colours.

After painstaking application of effort the final results are creations that are pleasing to the eye. Some Pysanka are famous for their design creations and are therefore preserved in great museums, art collections and government houses throughout the world.

See the related articles and examples of Pysanky throughout this magazine. Watch for follow on articles leading up to Easter, highlighting two Valley Pysanky artists along with examples of their work.

January 07 G.F.