The Art of Pysanka

dropdown The pysanka is recognized as a symbol of Ukrainian folk art. The Soviets tried to suppress the art form. The distinctively decorated eggs were closely associated with the Ukrainian people and the art was considered a form of nationalism. dropdown The Ukrainian decorated egg known as pysanka is created using a wax-resist method. Melted wax is drawn on a white, whole egg that has had the inside emptied. The areas of the egg where the wax was applied remain white when the egg is dipped in dye. When dying the egg, the lightest color, usually yellow, is used first. Then, the designs that are supposed to be yellow are drawn with melted wax. dropdown After that, the egg is dipped in a darker color dye and the designs intended to be the darker color are drawn with melted wax. This continues until each color has been applied. The last step is heating the egg so the wax melts and can be wiped away. The finished egg is usually black with brightly colored designs and symbols covering most of the surface. dropdown Pysanky are given to family members and other people as a sign of respect. All of the designs and colors have developed symbolic meaning. Pysanky designs are usually chosen to match the personality of the person receiving the pysanka. Some of the symbols used on pysanky are wheat, which signifies health; flowers and birds, represent happiness and spring; triangles to symbolize three elements important for life such as fire, water, and air.