Ukrainian Tradition Shines Bright: The Art of Pysanka 

As winter melts into spring across the war-scarred landscapes of Ukraine, a centuries-old tradition quietly resurfaces—bringing with it symbols of resilience, hope, and renewal. The art of pysanka, the intricate decoration of Easter eggs, serves as more than a seasonal ritual. Delicate eggs tell a deeper story: each one a canvas of culture preserved, and of prayers for peace whispered in wax and dye.  Thousands of miles away, in sun-soaked Los Angeles, Ukrainian artists and community members gather in churches, community centers, and living rooms, carrying on the custom. 

Rooted in ancient folklore and infused with Christian symbolism, pysanka was celebrated with a festival held April 6 at the Ukrainian Art Center of Los Angeles. Daria Tchaikovsky, UAC President, reports that over 700 people attended the event featuring dance collectives, singers, musicians, Ukrainian food, and a workshop on how to make pysanky, (plural form of pysanka). She also explained that the word pysanky comes from the Ukrainian word pysaty which means “to write”—because you “write” the design with wax rather than painting it. A wax-resistant method is employed; creators carefully use a metal tipped stylus dipped in melted beeswax to add designs to the egg’s shell before dyeing in layers of color. The designs—ranging from geometric patterns to natural symbols like wheat and birds—often symbolize wishes for health, prosperity, and protection.

The festival is definitely on my to-do list for next year, and I plan to bring my daughters who fell in love with author Patricia Polacco’s children’s story, Rechenka’s Eggs. First published in 1988, the book introduces young readers to Babushka, an elderly woman living in the countryside who paints beautiful eggs in pysanka style. When she rescues an injured goose named Rechenka, a magical bond forms, leading to a heartwarming twist. But I digress. Something else happened in 1988 to do with the subject at hand. A class I took at the library produced the most exquisite Easter egg a 12 year old could ever imagine. I won first prize in a local egg decorating contest, and I’m here to tell you it was worth the effort. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to making your own Ukrainian egg art (pysanka). You’ll need a healthy supply of patience. Enjoy the process.

What You’ll Need:

• White eggs (raw or blown out)
• Pencil
• Kistka (wax writing tool) – or a fine-tipped stylus
• Beeswax
• Candle 
• Ukrainian egg dye 
• Paper towels
• Spoon or egg dipper
• Varnish (optional, for shine)

Step 1: Prepare the Egg

• Gently wash the egg with vinegar to remove oils.
• Lightly draw your design in pencil. Start simple—try stars, lines, flowers, or a sun.

Step 2: Apply Wax

• Heat your kistka over the candle and scoop in beeswax.
• When it melts, draw over your pencil lines. Wherever you apply wax will stay white.
• Be careful; the tool can get hot.

Step 3: Dye the Egg

• Dip your egg in the lightest color (usually yellow).
• Dry it gently.
• Cover anything you want to stay yellow with wax.
• Repeat this process with darker dyes—orange, red, blue, then black—always waxing parts you want to keep each color.

Step 4: Reveal the Design

• When you’re done, hold the egg near the candle flame and gently wipe away the melted wax with a soft paper towel. Alternatively, use lighter fluid to remove the layers of wax.
• Your colors and patterns will magically appear!

Step 5: (Optional) Varnish

• Carefully coat the egg with clear varnish for a shiny finish.
• If the egg is raw, poke a small hole and drain it once dry.