pysanka (Egg)
About this object
History of use
Pysanka (decorated eggs) are a traditional folk art with pre-Christian roots. Eggs in early times were associated with sun worship, with the yolk representing the sun, and whites the moon. Eggs were used to greet the Spring. Greeting the Spring is still important, however. Easter is their most important association. These eggs are considered benevolent talisman. Children receive light coloured eggs with floral designs. Teenagers are given eggs with blank spaces to represent lives yet to be lived. Married couples receive 40 triangle eggs representing all aspects of their lives together. Older persons are given eggs with black belts, ladders and gates representing heavenly bridges. The eggs are made at night by gatherings of mentally and physically purified women. They are given and exchanged in many contexts.
Narrative
From the Mykhalylo Huculak Hutzulian Folk Art Collection.
Cultural context
ritual; folk art
Iconographic meaning
The decorations on pysanka eggs symbolize hope, happiness, and protection from evil. When a women is in the process of making the egg, goodness is said to be transferred to the design and to the household. 'Bibyi' design meaning sheep.
Specific techniques
They are made by resist dying with bees wax applied in various layers and melted off.
Physical description
Easter egg with black background and a star design on each end. The stars are black, red and white triangles and diamond shapes. The rest of egg is divided by white lines into six vertical and four horizontal rows. Each resulting rectangle has a geometric sheep alternating yellow and white. The egg is hollow and fragile. There is a tiny hole in one end.
Date Made
Before 1978
Date Acquired
2 Nov 1978
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
The Dr. Mykhaylo Huculak Collection of Ukranian Hutzulian Folk ArtMore...
Measurements
5.7 x 4.1 cm
Object Number
Ch42