Once upon a time...I enrolled in an extension course offered by our local community college back in Illinois. It was in the art of pysanky. Pysanky are Ukranian Easter eggs, decorated using beeswax and dyes that are applied in layers. The process is very similar to that of batik. Pysanky decoration is an artform that has been handed down through generations of the Ukrainian people and they are known all over the world for these colorful Easter eggs. The eggs symbolize the release of the earth from the shackles of winter. They also symbolize the coming of spring with its promise of new hope, new life, and prosperity. Legend has it that as long as pysanky are decorated, goodness will prevail over evil throughout the world.
An amazing fact I learned while working in this artform is that it is very important to use flawless eggs...without any hairline cracks...as the egg white and yolk are not blown out. You must be very very careful not to drop your egg!
The colors and the symbols used all have significant meaning. The designs can be intricate and complex. The eggs are coated with a varnish to protect them and enable them to become keepsakes. After several years in safe keeping the insides of the eggs dry out and cause the egg to rattle. It's really cool! The whole process of creating these little art gems is quite remarkable and the end results by professionals are simply stunning.
What is so amazing to me is that when I was about to make today's post...it was to be just the pen and ink drawing....and then...a little voice in the back of my head said..."Whoa! Deja Vous! This is just like the pysanky you made one time!" After I calmed myself down...I scurried off to look for my photos! I found them and to my utter shock while looking at them I noticed my pysanky were signed and dated...14 years ago!!!
So, in the traditional spirit of new hope, new life, and prosperity...I hope you enjoy. :)
Be Blessed...Happy Easter.