The ancient art form of pysanky is a wax resist process. Starting with a clean dry egg, melted bee's wax is applied to the area to remain white. The wax is applied using a tool called a kistka. The egg is then placed in a light colored dye, such as yellow. Wax is applied to the areas to remain yellow. These steps are repeated until all colors have been covered in wax. Colors are usually applied from light to dark. When the egg is complete the wax is melted off and an epoxy finish is applied.
Each color and symbol has a special meaning or message. Folklore has it in the days that peoplebelieved the sun was the creator and giver of life, they would write messages on bird eggs. When the egg hatched the bird would fly up to the sun and deliver the message.
Even today many people keep these beautiful eggs in their homes to protect them from fire and misfortune. They are also kept for good health, and peace.
My name is Jane Bowers but I was born Ivanka Dvoyak. It was Americanized to Jane Dwojak . Making pysanky has always been part of my life. My parents Kateryna and Stefan Dwojak came to this country in the 1953 and settled in Marion, IN, where I was born.
Making pysanky has always been part of my life. I remember my mother making them at night after we were in bed. When I would get up for a drink of water I could see her sitting at the table and I remember thinking how peaceful she looked. She was so quiet and relaxed. During the day she would show my three sisters and I how to make them, just as her mother showed her when she was a child. This is something we have done for generations.
I hope you enjoy these pysanky as much as I do.
Double Yolk Goose Egg |