The art of pysankarstvo
Pysankarstvo is an ancient traditional art form, found in many Slavic countries, and is rooted in the verb pysaty, "to write". Symbolic designs are written on eggs in hot wax with a special stylus called a kistka — a wooden stick with a small metal funnel at one end.
This springtime tradition has been a part of Ukrainian culture for centuries, dating back to pre-Christian times, and took on more religious significance when Christianity was introduced to Ukraine in 988AD. Pysanky are typically only written during the last week of Lent, before Easter. They are believed to hold enormous power, bring good luck, health, and wealth to those who possess them, as well as protect against evil and disease. The egg itself represents rebirth and new life, and each colour, motif or pattern on a pysanka is deeply symbolic.
As new technologies, tools, and influences emerged over the past few decades, the art of pysankarstvo has evolved and grown as well. Today, this folk art is practiced all over North America as more and more artists recognize the creative potential of this ancient technique.
