The ancient Ukraine art of decorating egg shells called “pysanky” is being fostered locally by Susan Hockett of the Church View area.
Hockett has decorated dozens of eggs in the 40-plus years since she was introduced to the process of using wax and dyes to create intricate designs by two Ukrainian women.
The folklore and traditions of pysanky are deep and varied, explained Hockett. They date to before the time when Christianity came to Ukraine. Peasants celebrated pagan rituals and the return of spring and warmth of the life-giving sun by decorating eggs with vibrant colors of nature.
As Christianity was embraced, the egg became a symbol of Christ and was tied to Easter.
Ukrainian women and girls would decorate eggs during the last week of Lent and make enough for the whole year, said Hockett. They would then be taken to church to be blessed.
Throughout the year these pysanky eggs would be given as gifts to celebrate life events, such as births, deaths, engagements, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. They also would be used to bless spring planting, house and barn raisings, work animals like oxen and horses, and even chickens in hopes of increasing the egg yield.
