MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Easter Online: Paint a Pysanka
Ukrainians have an ancient springtime tradition of intricately decorating eggs.
This art form, called Pysanky, has taken on special meaning and urgency this year, due to the war in Ukraine.
Now, experts and newcomers are sharing this art to raise money and good wishes for the Ukrainian people.
A Pysanka (Ukrainian: писанка) is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated with traditional folk designs. The word Pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, "to write" or "to inscribe," as the designs are not painted on, but written (inscribed) with beeswax.
One legend about Pysanky eggs — more than one Pysanka — tells of them having the power to keep evil from destroying the world. In it, an evil creature is held back from destroying the world by chains that bind it to a cliff. Whether that creature remains restrained, and the world at peace, is up to humanity. The strength of those chains is tied to the number of Ukrainian eggs people make. More eggs, and they tighten. Less eggs, and they loosen.
There are layers of symbolism involved in creating them. Each egg tells a story. Everything from the colors of the dyes to the images depicted hold meaning. One shape might be a plea for fertility and another a prayer for protection.
Traditionally Pysanky are given out at Easter as talismans for things like good fortune, success, fertility or health. If you want to include a particular message you can choose your symbols according to the message you want to convey to the recipient.
Ukrainian language:
Each region, each village, and almost every family in Ukraine had its own special ritual, its own symbols, meanings. It was enough one look at the pysanka to tell where it was made and what the author wanted to say.
Each egg is considered a prayer.
Making Pysanky this year feels more important than ever.
During the Soviet era — russia banned the practice in Ukraine as Stalin was set on eliminating all religion and religious practice and symbols of faith. During this time no evidence of Pysanka existed, no exhibits or no books on the subject. Some families practiced the art in secret, with the knowledge that they could be killed if caught. And now the kremlin trying to turn Ukraine into rubble again, eliminate all Ukrainian traditions and the Ukrainian language.
Today, pysanky are made by Ukrainians (and not only) the world over, united in their heritage and their craftsmanship. The tradition has gained further significance as several charities have worked to produce and sell pysanky to benefit humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
As creating a real Pysanka is a very painstaking and challenging task, we offer you some colouring options (one option is blank if you want to create your own design).
This is A4 format:
Send us your photographs with Pysanky or coloured pictures:
email: nesterenko1302@gmail.com
or WhatsApp: +264814287144.
Thank you in advance!
Just download this file and print it out on any printer
As long as the egg writing custom continues, the world will exist.
Thank you very much for your photos:
May your Easter basket be filled with joy, happiness, and peace
this season and always!
