Ukrainian eggs - history

Well, one last post! 

Here is a bit about the history of Pysanky.

Pysanky probably dates back to ancient times, though there are no eggs to prove this, due to the fragile nature of eggshells.

The art may have been most developed in Ukraine, but many of the people groups in Eastern Europe have at one time or other practiced decorating eggs.

As in many ancient cultures, Ukrainians worshiped a sun god, as the sun was their source of life. Eggs, decorated with symbols of nature became a key part of this worship and a symbol of the rebirth of earth after winter. These eggs were believed to have special powers.

Pysanky were an important part of life in Ukraine.The exchanging of Pysanky was symbolically giving a gift of life. The art was handed down through the generations, from mother to daughter. 

Each color and symbol had a deep meaning, which were taught to each generation. Most eggs were very geometric, divided into equal squares, triangles or other shapes. Eight sided stars were often used, as they represented the sun. Sometimes the eggs' decorations would include an unending line, which, as legends claimed, would trap any evil spirit that entered the house!

When Christianity was introduced, eggs become the symbol of man's rebirth, as well as signifying the tomb Christ rose from. Interestingly, many of the symbols used for worship of the sun god survived, and were altered to represent Easter and the Resurrection.

In more modern days, the practice was carried to the Americas by Ukrainian emigrants. Near the same time, Pysanky (as a religious practice) was banished from Ukraine by the Soviet regime, museum collections were destroyed in war and the ancient art was nearly forgotten.   However, since Ukraine's independence in 1991, the art has been rediscovered and practiced once again.