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Today we will explore the traditional art of pysanka, a wax-resist method of dyeing eggs that dates back centuries.

Did you know the tradition of egg decorating originated in the pagan religion and was then absorbed into Christianity to become the traditional Ester egg?.

The technique of making pysanky is ancient, going back two thousand years in the Ukraine. It involves blank eggs , beeswax, a lit candle or heat source to melt the beeswax, vinegar solution, dyes, and patience . The popular hand tool to write on the egg it’s called Kistka. Today electric Kistky are available for purchase.

My Ukrainian friend Svitlana Tararur is here to share this wonderful technique with us

The first step is to draw your pattern on the emptied egg with a pencil. Then the pencil lines are covered again this time with wax. The areas that are covered with wax will not be colored. Submerging the egg into a vinegar bath for a few seconds after the first waxing helps the dye to stick to the shell easier. By repeating this process with different colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up.

In the past making the Pysanky was a protection ritual against evil. This method of decorating eggs has transformed with time from being a ritual object to a decorative one and was adapted in many countries around the world.

Traditionally, the eggs were left whole. They would eventually dry out and become light. Keeping the eggs in an open area with good circulation helped then age safely. My friend Svitlana prefers to start with blown egg shells to dye.

A variety of Chicken, Goose, or Ostrich eggs can be used as your canvas. In the past, dyes were made from dried plants, roots, bark, berries, and insects. Nowadays, commercial dyes are available for purchase.

When the wax is removed to reveal the colors that were covered up at each stage the results are extraordinary.

A coat of spray polyurethane over the finished egg protect the dyes and give it a glossy finish.

I love to learn from different cultures it opens my eyes to new ideas and possibilities. I want to thank my friend Svitlana for enticing us with her beautiful culture. You can find her information on the video description along with some links.

I hope you enjoyed this traditional art of the Slavic regions.

Until next time,

Thank you.

Rosalia