Pysanka workshop with Elizaveta Pysanka

Dive into the ancient art of creating Pysankas, a Ukrainian traditionally decorated Easter egg, which became one of the most recognisable symbols of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian name for a wax-resist type egg, pysanka, comes from the verb pysaty (писати), meaning "to write," as the designs are written onto the egg with beeswax, not painted on.

Pysanka is much more than a beautiful decoration. It is a symbol of the universe reborn and a powerful amulet. In pre-Christian times, symbols on Pysankas imbued an egg with magical powers to ward off evil spirits, banish winter, guarantee a good harvest, and bring a person good luck. After 988AD, when Christianity became the state religion of Ukraine, the interpretation of many symbols began to change, and the pagan motifs were reinterpreted in a Christian light.

In modern times, the art of pysankarstvo was carried abroad by Ukrainian emigrants…