Traditional Ukrainian Pysanky Egg Décor: Working with Traditional Designs by Mrs. Heiser

Overview of Presentation: Art and Culture Vocabulary Project Pysanky Examples Materials to Create Pysanky The Art of Pysanky Steps in the Process of Pysanky Creation Pysanky Legend Symbolism of Colors Symbolism of Traditional Images Closing Thoughts Copyrights & Resource Sites End Credits            

Art and Culture Creating or finding a connection is important in learning, such as to art-to- text, art-to-art, art-to-one’s self (personal experience), or art-to-world. As art is explored, studied, created, and appreciated, a gain is made when connections are made to the artists, the art, culture, art history, and the origin of the art style. 

Art and Culture In the development of civilizations, several factors must exist: specialization of jobs, government, commerce, and religion. Through this art lesson on traditional, Ukrainian Pysanky, students should gain in their understanding of visual arts in relation to history and culture.

Vocabulary Project Traditional – long established custom Ukrainian – of or from the Ukraine Pysanky – Ukrainian Easter Eggs, no longer made just for Easter Kistka – tool for applying heated beeswax 

Pysanky Examples 

Materials to Create Pysanky Dyes Kistka Beeswax 

Materials to Create Pysanky Delrin Kistka Elastic Band Electric Kistka Electric Kistka on a holder Electric Kistka

Materials to Create Pysanky Lathe Egg Blower Egg Drying Rack 

The Art of Pysanky 

Steps in the Process 

Unvarnished Eggs Varnished Eggs

Pysanky Legend Legend has it that there is a huge evil creature chained to a hillside. Every year when Easter Eggs are made, the number of eggs is counted. If only a few eggs are made, the creature's bonds are loosened, and evil flows through the earth. However, if many eggs are decorated, creature's bonds tighten, and its evil is kept in check. 

Other Pysanky Legends Eggs dyed in one color were thought to have magical powers, as well. If a person had a serious illness, an egg (which was blessed on Easter eve) was hung around that person's neck by a string, and disease was thought to pass into the egg. (Luciow, Johanna, et al, p. 20) In Pagan times, "a bowl of decorated eggs was often kept in the home in the belief that they would keep the family healthy." (Luciow, Johanna, et al, p. 16)

Symbolism of Colors 

Symbolism of Traditional Images 

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Closing Thoughts Pysanky originated in the Ukraine. Pysanky uses traditional colors, symbols, and repeating patterns. Materials include dyes, beeswax, kistka, and a few common items. Pysanky are intricately decorated eggs, often for Easter or given and treasured as gifts. 

Copyright Laws Disclaimer Certain materials are included under the Fair Use Exemption of the U. S. Copyright Law and are restricted from further use. This presentation with images and any web links are for educational use only. The information contained in this presentation is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Some Clip Art images are from Microsoft Office and/or Microsoft Office Online

Mrs. Heiser Custer School District Art PowerPoint Presentation © 2009, Lorry Heiser Traditional Ukrainian Pysanky