Pysanky Egg Workshop

Ukrainian Easter Tradition

 

A traditional Ukrainian custom on Easter Day is exchanging highly ornamental Easter eggs, called “Pysanky” (from the Ukrainian word “pysaty” which means to write). The Ukrainians bring their Pysanky and other traditional food delicacies in baskets to church for blessing and thanksgiving prayers.  Then they are exchanged with family and friends during festive banquets with the customary greeting: Chrystos Voskres! (Christ is Risen!)  To which one replies: Voistynu Voskres! (He has Risen Indeed!)

 

Originally Pysanky were associated with mythical and religious beliefs of pagan times but with the coming of Christianity, they took on new meaning of rebirth and life. Custom dictates that each year a fresh batch of Pysanky be made: symbolic patterns now give way to intricate embroidery-style patterns and flowers.

 

During Lent, Nadia Cwiach, resident artist and financial secretary, conducts a Pysanky Egg-making Workshop at St. Mark’s. Nadia has been creating these beautiful works of art since childhood and will teach us to make them.  Please reserve a spot soon as we can only have 14 participants.  All the necessary supplies will be here for you; there is a small fee to cover the cost of supplies and for a donation to the Ukrainian National Womens League of America or UNWLA.

 

 For more history and tradition about the Ukrainian Church, click on the following website.  http://www.brama.com/yonkersukrainianfest/easter.html