Ukranian egg decorating, called pysanky, started as a pagan celebration of spring to the gods and is now a symbol of Christianity, especially recognized around
Easter.
Halyna Mudryj is a third-generation pysanky artist who has practiced the art since the age of four.
“It?s a part of me,” she said. “I?ve been doing this since before reading and writing.”
The purpose of creating the pysanky was to transfer goodness from the household to the designsand to push away evil.
“The egg is the true symbol of life,” Mudryj said. “Everything comes from an egg. These were offered and kept in homes as a protection from the wrath of pagan gods.”
The most popular designs are geometric shapes and figures. They are written on the eggs in beeswax and dyed in a variety of colors.
The colors are significant in their own way, with different symbolism in each one. Importance is placed on certain color combinations as well.
