Pysanky

Pysanky is an ancient and beautiful form of folk art from the Ukraine. It consists of decoration of eggs using beeswax and dyes. This art is most popular in a Ukrainian household near Eastertime when eggs are created as gifts for family and friends.

Hot wax is applied to the egg using a kistka. The kistka is a tool whereby hot wax can be essentially drawn onto the egg. Kistkas can be purchased, or built by the user. Some are simply a stick with wire holding a tiny stick perpendicular at the end of the larger piece. This type of kistka is dipped in hot wax. Another type is a copper or brass cone attached to the end of a stick. Wax is then placed in the cone. The cone is heated until the wax melts and flows out the end of the cone. An electric version of the kistka is also available.

The design begins by drawing on a plain white egg with hot beeswax. These lines will protect the white when egg is dyed. When the designs to be white are complete, the egg is dipped into yellow dye and then dried. The kistka is used to draw the designs to remain yellow and then the egg is dipped into the next dye bath. The process continues, alternating waxing designs and using dyes that progressively get darker. The most popular pysanky, end with the black dye. Once the black dye is dry, hold the egg over the side of a candle flame and gently continue to wipe off the melted wax revealing the beautifully designed multicolored egg. Do not hold the egg over the top of the candle as it will collect a dark carbon difficult to remove. The final process is to seal the egg with a coating of shellac or varnish. A small board with three nail groupings that may hold suspended eggs is an ideal drying tool.

View the demo. The file is a bit large.

The following are the meanings to some of the symbols depicted on the eggs.

	Wheat ask for a bountiful harvest.
	Any form of the cross signifies the Resurrection of Christ, death and suffering.
	Animals, mostly deer, signify prosperity. The animals are usually those found in and near the Carpathian Mountains.
	Dots depict stars and Mary's tears.
	The fish is the sign of Christ.
	Before the Ukrainians accepted Christianity the eight pointed star was a symbol of the sungod. Later the star would represent Christ.
	The Trinity is represented by a triangle. Netting signifies Christ fishing with men.
	Designs circling the egg, with no beginning or end signifies eternity.