PYSANKY (Ukranian Easter Eggs) Beautiful Eastern European Folk Art Form Demonstrated By Nancy Tempte, Local Artist Event Date: Saturday, April 23rd, 1pm to 3pm Event Location: Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center
History of Pysanka A pysanka is a Ukrainian easter egg, created by the written-wax batik method and utilizing traditional folk motifs and designs The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, "to write", as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax. More than one egg is pysanky.
Each region, each village, and almost every family in Ukraine had its own special ritual, its own symbols, meanings and secret formulas for dyeing eggs. These customs were preserved faithfully and passed down from mother to daughter through generations. The custom of decorating pysanky was observed with greatest care, and a pysanka, after receiving the Easter blessing, was held to have great powers as a talisman.
This traditional folk craft of Ukraine has a history of thousands of years. Patterns are drawn on the egg with wax, which then protects the covered areas from the dye that is applied. By repeating this process with different colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up. Finally, the wax is removed to reveal the colors that were covered up at each stage. The symbols and colors used are rich in meaning; many pre-date the arrival of Christianity, and have had Christian interpretations layered on afterward.
Pysanka by Nancy Tempte
Pysanka by Nancy Tempte
Pysanka by Nancy Tempte
WOA Nature & Art Center 118 N Main Street, Alma, Wisconsin (608) 685-3303 center@wingsoveralma.orgHours: 10am-5pm Copyright (c) 2011 Wings Over Alma All rights reserved.
