Pysanky: Stunning Ukrainian Painted Easter Eggs | Blog
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Around this time of year, it's possible to start contemplating dyeing Easter eggs. Are you looking to make your eggs distinctive? You can skip the pre-made eggs dyeing kits make your own pysanky or Ukrainian Easter eggs.
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What are Pysanky?
What Is Pysanky Mean?
Pysanky originates from the Ukrainian verb pysatythat means "to write." This article provides insights into how they are created using beeswax instead of painting designs onto eggs.
Pysanky's Origins Origins of Pysanky
Pysanky's art originates from the pre-Christian period. Because eggshells are extremely fragile, it is nearly impossible to find ancient, intact examples of them However, archaeologists have discovered pieces from eggs, along with similar designs that were painted on pottery, as well as other artifacts of that period.
In those times, Ukrainians revered the god of the sun, Dazhboh. The sun god's chosen creatures--the only ones that could come closer to him. Therefore, the egg was seen as a symbol of life and a talisman against evil. Eggs were typically decorated in springtime and in secret to ensure that no one could cast spells on them.
Integrating Traditional Motifs
Traditional pysanky often incorporate geometric motifs--like diamonds and triangles--along with plant and animal elements. If you want to include the symbols you see in your ideas, do the Google image search. This will allow you to look at illustrations and ideas to design your own eggs. But, remember that modern pysanky designs can contain more contemporary designs as well!
How To make Pysanky
In order to make pysanky using batik method, you will require these materials:
- Uncooked eggs
- Kistka (a stylus equipped with the funnel and reservoir)
- Powdered Ukrainian Easter egg dyes
- Beeswax
- Candle
- Pencil
- Paper towels
Batik Paint Method
Step 1: Prepare your egg.
Dry and wash the egg that is not cooked, you can then employ a pencil to draw a sketch of your idea on it. If you make a mistake, don't erase it--eraser scratches or marks could result in irregular dyeing when the dyeing process is completed.
Step 2: Apply Wax
Use the funnel side of the kistka to scoop out a small amount of beeswax. After that, put the end of the kistka over the torch's flame so that the wax melts inside the funnel. Once the wax gets sufficiently warm the wax will start flow out from the tip of the stylus. Test it out on paper until you are accustomed with the movement of wax. Then, you can begin placing it over the lines of your designs. Remember that the areas covered with wax won't be colored.
Heat the wax again and refill the funnel if needed. Sooner or later, you'll find yourself in a rhythm: scoop wax, heat wax, put wax on, repeat.
Step 3: Dip the Egg into Dye
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Step 4: Repetition the process for additional layers
For simple pysanky, you might want to use just one layer of wax and dye. But, you are able to create more complex designs by layering additional shades. Add more designs in wax to the dyed egg. These lines will keep the hue of the initial dye you chose to use. So, for example, say that you first coated the egg with yellow dye. Any new designs you add will be yellow.
When you have applied each layer of wax Dip the egg into a progressively darker color of dye. Work from the lightest color to darkest so that every layer of dye shows up.
Step 5: Take off the wax
When you've got all layers of dye and wax, it's time to reveal your final image through melting the wax off the egg. In small pieces keep the egg near enough to a flame to melt the wax using a tissue to remove it.
For protection of the egg that you have made, spray on two coats of varnish and allow it to dry completely.
What is the length of time Pysanky Last?
If you take care of it, a pysanka can endure for a long period of time, years even. But the method of preservation is slightly different depending on whether you choose to paint an undrained or drained egg.
How can you keep untrained Pysanky
Surprisingly, you can preserve the unclean pysanka which has the yolk and whites. If you opt to do this It is essential to be sure to select eggs with no hairline cracks, or small spots. Cracks may allow bacteria enter the egg, causing it to ultimately rot. However, as long as the outer shell is intact while the egg remains placed in a location that allows for adequate air circulation, it is likely to dry out.
How to preserve the drained Pysanky
Also, you can keep a ballooned (or empty) Pysanky egg. First, paint the egg while it still has whites and yolk. After the design is completed you can make a tiny hole inside the base of the egg with the aid of a drill or Exacto knife. Then, use a special pump (called a one-hole egg blower (or pump) to remove the egg's interior from the egg. By using the pump once more, rinse the inside of the egg by using water. By cleaning it thoroughly it will ensure that your egg will last for years without rotting.
Enrich Your Easter Traditions
Pysanky making is an intricate, meditative craft that results into a stunning work of work. Create these Easter eggs to celebrate the Easter holiday, and enjoy bringing this old craft to your contemporary rituals.
Upgrade Your Easter Eggs
The Making of Pysanky