ONLINE  BEGINNER CLASS

    When did Pysanky have its beginnings? Well to tell you the truth, no one really knows for sure. It is estimated that the practice started well before Christianity came to Ukraine. To learn about Christianity in Ukraine , CLICK HERE   Some experts estimate the art form  to be many 1000's of years old. There are many ancient cultures in what is now present day Ukraine. There were  the  Scythian peoples (4th Century BC), mentioned in the bible. Much older , was the Trypillian Culture (5400 - 2400 BC). More information on the Trypillian culture can be found by CLICKING HERE.  So you see there were some very ancient cultures in that part of the world.  You can also gain an understanding by looking at the present day Pysanky designs. These designs have been handed down throughout time, mother to daughter, grandparent to grandchild.  Some regions in Ukraine are very strict on how the designs are made, allowing for no variation.
      During these pre-Christian pagan times, Pysanky was used as a talisman or good luck charm. The egg  alone was a powerful symbol in its own right,  because it contained the essence of life. You have to understand that the pagans felt very powerless against the forces of nature. Harsh weather, fire or poor hunting could result in starvation. Why not have a little extra insurance?  Surely,  burying an egg with a bountiful harvest depicted on its shell in your wheat field could do no harm. After centuries of repeating this practice in such a bountiful place as Ukraine, it becomes the way of life.  Then a Pysanky depicting a  rooster given to a newly wedded bride may bring many children?  Perhaps a Pysanky depicting many horses may bring wealth and prosperity to someone in want?  Sounds like a plan to me.
        However, when Christianity came to the peoples of Kyivan-Rus (Not Russia) , this pagan ritual stuff had to go. So what were once  pagan symbols are now transformed to Christian Symbols. The highlight of the Christian Church calendar is and was the Pascha ( Passion of Christ).  40 days of lent, fasting  for the cleansing of the body and soul in preparation of Holy Week.   No better a time to reflect and concentrate on Christian symbols. No better a time to make Pysanky incorporating those symbols.   So when people ask, how religious is the art of Pysanky?  For nearly 2000 years the Ukrainian peoples have been pouring their faith on the shell of an egg.   This all leads to our next topic - Symbology.