In celebration of Orthodox Easter Ukrainian Student Association at Stanford held MAKE YOUR OWN Pysanka WORKSHOP (decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs).

Each Pysanka is a symbolic, colorful work of art. Pysanky can be elaborate, simple, traditional, or more modern. The tradition of making pysanky started thousands of years ago by pagan tribes, and has since evolved through time to its modern form which is rooted in Christianity. However, one thing has remained constant through time, and that is the importance of each egg's symbols and colors. Attendies learned about both the ancient, organic symbols and the Christian symbols and what they mean, and also created new ones!

So how is this done? Each pysanka is made by dyeing the egg, then coating selected areas with beeswax to preserve that color dye. It is started with lighter dye colors, then those desired areas are covered with wax, then it is overdyed darker and darker....so in the end, you take off all the wax and a beautiful creation is revealed! Everyone left with wonderful pieces of art made by their own hands.

We are hoping that this event will become an annual tradition. For more information check http://www.pysanka.com

Some Photos


Last modified: Sun Oct 22 03:44:22 PDT 2000