Ukrainian Easter Eggs
Ukrainian Pysanky
uniquely traditional dyed, etched, waxed
The word PYSANKY stems from the word PYSATY, which means to write and is translated as "written egg".
Pysanky are multi-coloured eggs with intricate designs of symbolic nature. The designs are written on the egg with melted beeswax which flows from a writing instrument known as a KYSTKA. The word denotes a diminutive form of the word for "bone" which long, long ago was the method for many tools.
The writing is done successively on different dyed backgrounds - natural dyes or aniline dyes - from the lightest to the darkest of colours. The designs are revealed by melting the wax by candle flame.
Each Pysanka is therefore unique.
Halia Gawadzyn-Palaszczuk began learning the delicate art of writing pysanky at the age of 3.This pastime has become her passion. Intricate patterns are achieved by progressively writing molten beeswax on the egg with a small stylus called “kystka” before the egg is dipped into a series of dyes. Each egg is unique in plan, design and execution with only best wishes put into every drawn line, turning each egg into a special talisman for its owner. As a teacher Halia has shared this art form with many students and adults over many decades. Her work has been featured in numerous articles and exhibited in many schools, churches and museums throughout the world.