Pysanky are an enduring symbol of Christianity to more than 50 million Ukrainians. But the eggs are also a reminder of a more distant, pagan - pre-christian past that was transformed by the founding of the Ukrainian church by Prince Volodymyr in 988 AD.
In both design and colour one sees the attachment to the soil and the elements of nature. One sees the meandering lines, circles, crosses, stars, dots, matriarchal symbols, wheat, fir trees, horses, stags.....
The original source of creation!
The universe!
The symbol of life!
Our earth looks like an egg:
crust=shell
magma=egg white
core=yolk
Archeologists have discovered ceramic pysanky in Ukraine dating back to 1300 B.C. They have linked designs to symbolism of the Trypillian Culture in Ukraine of 5400 B.C.
They lived on the land of Ukraine at the same time as the pyramids in Egypt were beginning to be built.
Symbolism of colours
Colours have special symbolic meaning in pysanka design. The most ancient pysanky were composed of only one or two natural/organic colours..Now, each colour carries a message of goodwill for the recipient- happy family life, peace, love, good health, success…
Interpretation of colour significance can be different from person to person, or from region to region.
These are the most common dye colours used.
White- purity, innocence, protection
Yellow -wisdom, recognition, warmth, happiness
Green- first sign of spring, hope, rebirth, fertility, prosperity
Blue- good health, water, healing
Orange- strength, endurance, ambition, success
Red- love of…,hope, passion, strength, courage, happiness
Dark red- strength, confidence
Purple- faith, trust, power, royalty
Brown- simplicity of mother earth, happiness
Black- rememberance, eternity, grounding, protection
These are some of the newest dye colours available.
Gold- success, abundance, solar energy
Silver- intuition, reflection, lunar energy
Pink- self- care, friendship
Coral- balance, creativity
Magenta-cooperation, compassion
Teal- communication, elegance in thought
Light blue- spirituality, tranquility, peace
Turquoise-positivity, faithfulness, compassion, protection.