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The word "Pysankа" is Ukrainian, and comes from the word "pysaty (писати)," which means "to write." Pysanky (plural) are eggs that have been written rather than just dyed. They are created by a process of wax-resist (aka batik).
Pysanky are quite beautiful and and can be quite intricately decorated. They have a rich and ancient history associated with spring (and, in more recent times, Easter). Traditional pysanka designs have been passed along for many generations, and possibly thousands of years.
Many pysankary (pysanka artists) both in Ukraine and the world over create wax resist that depart from the traditional colors and patterns, but are often still referred to by that word "pysanka."
To see a list of Pysanka FAQs, check out the WikiAnswer "Pysanky Egg Art" section, which is categorized under Hobbies and Collectibles/Arts and Crafts.
To see examples of pysanky, and to learn how to make them, see the list of "Related Links" in the following section.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago"Pysanky" is the Ukrainian word used to describe eggs decorated using s wax-resist (batik) method. It comes from "pysaty," the Ukrainian verb which means "to write." In Ukrainian tradition, pysanky are not painted or drawn, they are written.
A single egg of this kind is a pysanka. The process of creating these eggs is pysankarstvo.Wiki User
∙ 14y agoA pysanka (plural pysanky) is an egg decorated using a traditional Ukrainian wax-resist (batik) method. The word comes from the Ukrainian verb "pysaty" which means "to write," as, in Ukrainian tradition, the eggs are said to be written, not drawn or painted. For more information, see the link below.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoAlthough many slavic cultures decorate eggs for Easter, only those made in Ukraine are called "pysanky."
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What countries are famous for pysanky?
Pysanky are, by definition, Ukrainian Easter eggs, so Ukraine is famous for pysanky. Pysanky are also made in the diaspora (by emigrants), particularly in the USA, Canada and Brazil.
Which country did the Pysanky eggs originate?
Maine i dont know where did it come from :))
What country has the strongest tradition of Pysanky egg coloring in Easter?
"Pysanka" is a Ukrainian word, so the creation of pysanky is most common in Ukraine. Other countries, especially Slavic ones, also have traditions of wax resist egg decoration, but give it different names.
What are pysanky eggs used for?
Almost all bird eggs are suitable for pysanky. Non-white eggs, such as Rhea or Emu, require special techniques, but can still be used for pysanky. Chicken, Duck and Goose eggs are most commmonly used. They require no special preparation, only simple cleaning to remove dirt. Ostrich eggs have a heavy glossy outer coat with amny irregularities. They are usually sanded to a smooth finish before using. Rhea and Emu shells come in shades of dark green to light green. The light green shades can be dyed without removing the outer shell. To use the dark green shells one would have to remove the top layer by etching or sanding. Finch eggshells can be used, but they are fragile to the touch. Pigeon eggs tend to be oily and do not dye well. Parakeet shells are the best if you want to make tiny pysanky.
What has the author Joan Brander written?
Joan Brander has written: 'About the pysanka--it is written!' -- subject(s): Pysanky, Bibliography
When did pysanky eggs start being made?
Nobody knows for certain. The oldest pysanka yet discovered is about 500 years old. Most of the designs on pysanky predate christianity, which was introduced into Ukraine in 988. The priests tried to eradicate many pagan customs, but were unable to, becasue they were so entrenched; pysankarstvo was one of these.
What is the best way to display pysanky?
There are many ways to display pysanky, but you should never to display them in direct sunlight. Aniline dyes will fade when placed in prolonged sunlight, making your pysanka dull and drab. (It's probably a good idea to keep the eggs out of any strong direct light to avoid fading.) Also, if the pysanka hasn't been emptied, the heat from the sun or other light source could cause the gases within it to expand and the egg to explode. Pysanky are small works of art, and should be treated as such. They may be displayed in baskets or bowls, in individual egg holders, hung from a stand, or placed in specially made display cabinets. If you have many pysanky to display and not enough room, then a riser might be useful.
In what country did the pysanky egg art begin?
"Pysanky" is a Ukrainian term, so technically the answer to your question is that pysanky egg art began in Ukraine.Decorated eggs have traditionally been created by Slavic people of the many nations and ethnic groups of what is now Central and Eastern Europe. The wax resist and dye method reached its greatest perfection in the territory now known as Ukraine. Each region within Ukraine has its own particular style and traditional colors, symbols, and designs. The intricate and detailed designs that most of us associate with pysanky developed from styles common to the Hutsul people of the Carpathian mountain region of Ukraine.Incidentally, some ethnographers postulate that the original homeland of the Slavic peoples was in the territory now occupied by Ukraine, most likely Western or Northwestern Ukraine.
What kind of egg shell is used for writing Ukrainian pysanky?
Most pysanky are written on chicken eggs, as those are the most readily available ones. Pysanky can be written on just about any type of bird egg, although some work better than others. Goose eggs are popular, as they have thick shells and take the dye well. Duck eggs are lovely and translucent, but can be difficult to dye. Ostrich eggs need preparation to dye, and many hours of work, as they are quite large. Turkey and quail eggs need to have the outer coat, with its brown spots, before they can be used. Pysanky have been written on more exotic eggs, too-swan, emu, parakeet, etc. The eggs of smaller birds are often much more fragile and do not dye well.
How do you find pysanka artists?
Pysanka making is becoming a more and more common art form, and there are many artists with web sites. Start by doing a search for "pysanka artist" online using a search engine. Other search terms to consider are:Ukrainian Egg DecoratingPysanky egg artUkrainian Easter EggsThere is a great online listserv devoted to pysanky where you can get information and ask questions. Go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Eggs-Pysanky/See link in "Related links" below.Many artists post photos of their work to Flickr; you can see them there by searching for pysanky or Ukrainian Easter eggs. Many sell them through eBay and Etsy; doing similar searches there will give you lots of results.If you want to learn how to write pysanky, you can try looking on Ann Morash's web site (link below) or check with your local Ukrainian community.
What colors would you use on a pysanka?
As with symbols, colors have true symbolism only in traditional Ukrainian folk pysanky, those designs created over the centuries and used for talismanic purposes. Modern pysanky, their colors and symbols, have only the meanings that we personally assign to them. Symbols and colors have to be considered within the whole of the design of the egg, not as individual components. Different localities may have assigned them different meanings--this should be taken into consideration as well. That being said, some generally accepted meanings for the colors used on pysanky are given below. ColorsYellow: Light, wisdom, spirituality, recognition and reward. Green: Spring, hope, growth, victory of life over death, bountifulness. Orange: Endurance, strength, attraction, everlasting sun. Red: Divine love and passion of Christ, spiritual awakening, happiness in life. Blue: Good health, trust. Pink: Success. Black: Death, remembrance, absolute constancy, fear of ignorance. White: Purity Brown: The earth Purple: Patience and trust
How do you find advanced instructors for lessons in making pysanky?
It's like anything else--you have to ask around. If you know any advanced pysanka artists, ask them if they teach classes or know anyone who does. If there is a shop in your area that sells pysanka supplies, ask them about classes or recommendations for teachers. Join an on-line community like Yahoo Groups (Eggs-Pysanky) and post a request/query with the group.
