Pysanky: Guardian of Life

Spring is around the corner, and Easter close behind, together ushering in the season for making pysanky (Ukrainian decorated eggs) and for reviving ancient Ukrainian traditions signifying the renewal of life. 

The pysanky on display show examples regional styles and motifs with their rich array of color. Known the world over for their intricate, vibrant designs, handcrafted pysanky are made using raw eggs, dyes, and beeswax in a wax-resist technique, similar to the batik method used on cloth. The process results in beautifully ornamented eggs with detailed geometric, floral, and animal designs, each with its own symbolic meaning.

The art of creating Ukrainian pysanky (from the word pysaty – to write) has been handed down from generation to generation.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.