The History of Pysanka; Ukrainian Easter Eggs

Pysanka is a term that is derived from the Ukrainian verb, pysaty, meaning to write. The plural is Pysanky or writings. Originally a pagan (non-Christian) folk craft, Pysanka is believed to have begun about 6,000 years ago. The history of the region, we now know as Ukraine, contains many references to a sun god. The sun was, and still is, considered the primary source of life. It provides light and heat necessary for things to grow. The egg, too, was considered the symbol of the origin of life. In the spring, when the earth wakes from a long, cold winter, the ancient people of Ukraine celebrated with ceremonies honoring the sun. Richly decorated eggs, with various symbols, were the canvas upon which these people honored the sun and welcomed the spring.

The sun was the supreme God to the ancient Ukrainian people. Birds were held in very high esteem because they were the only creatures that could go near the sun, or so it seemed. They assumed that birds, flying in the air had contact with the heavenly bodies. Thus, Ukrainians began to inscribe wishes and requests to the cosmic-heavenly bodies on bird's eggs. With the introduction of Christianity, many former pagan symbols were retained while others were converted to hold Christian meanings. It evolved into a tradition whose symbols exist to this day.

Meaning of Symbols and Colors

Today, the artists express themselves in the literature of colors, lines, pictures and designs. Each picture, every squiggle, every dot drawn on the egg has a symbolic meaning. Although, all artists use the same symbols, the artist's soul always comes through as he/she makes their design unique and more picturesque.
The symbols most often used include:

--STAR signifies happiness, often appears on the top and bottom of the egg.
--WHEAT symbolizes a wish for bountiful harvest and prosperity.
--PINE NEEDLES signify health, stamina, and eternal youth.
--FLOWERS signify love, charity and good will.
--LEAVES suggest life, growth, and happiness.
--SUN represents happiness, growth and good fortune.
--BIRDS, CHICKS, HENS, & ROOSTERS symbolize
--fulfillment of wishes and fertility.
--DEER, HORSES, & RAMS symbolize a wish for good
--health, wealth, and prosperity.
--CROSSES of many shapes mean suffering, death and
--resurrection of Christ the Savior.
--WAVES, RIBBONS OR BELTS either around the
--egg or lengthwise means eternity.

Colors play an important role in the creation of Pysanky.
Different colors hold certain prescribed meaning:

--RED is the color of love and joy, while PINK is for success.
--ORANGE is the warmth of the sun and for attraction.
--YELLOW is the radiance of resurrection and for spirituality.
--GREEN is the sign of new life in spring, for prosperity and wealth.
--PURPLE is the color of sorrow and penance while VIOLET is power.
--BLUE is for courage, strength, stability, loyalty and health.
--BROWN is the color for mother earth.
--BLACK is the absence of light and color and for remembrance and protection from evil.

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