The origin of Pysanka eggs dates back to ancient times. Legend has it that the natives of Ukraine worshipped the sun. Decorated eggs with motifs of nature symbols were chosen for sun worship ceremonies and they became an integral part of spring rituals. As the locals embraced Christianity, the decorated Pysanka continued to play an important role in Ukrainian rituals of the new religion.
Pysanky eggs are traditionally made during the last week of Lent, the Holy Week in the Catholic and Orthodox Eastern Church. Each province, 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. They were made by the women of the family.
Pysanka eggs were created by carefully applying wax in patterns to an egg. The egg yolk and white are either allowed to dry up over time, or removed by blowing them out through a small hole in the egg. The egg was then dyed, wax would be reapplied in spots to preserve that color, and the egg was boiled again in other shades. The result was a multi-color striped or patterned egg.
