Exploring The Art of Pysanky at the Selby Library

With Easter just around the corner, there’s no better time to explore one of Ukraine’s most beloved traditions—the art of pysanky, or intricately decorated Easter eggs. These vibrant works of art are more than seasonal decor; they are centuries-old symbols of heritage, storytelling, and resilience.

This Thursday, April 10, you’re invited to discover the meaning behind the tradition at a special event hosted at Selby Library in Sarasota from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. Bohdana Puzyk, a long-time leader from the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) Branch 56 in North Port, Florida, will offer a presentation on the history, symbolism, and unique wax-resist techniques used to create pysanky.

The event is available to the public and free to attend—a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich cultural tradition that continues to inspire, especially during these difficult times for Ukrainians.

What Makes a Pysanka?

Creating a pysanka is a multi-step process rooted in tradition. Each egg is decorated using a wax-resist technique (batik method) that dates back more than a thousand years. Artists use a special tool called a kistka (shown below) to draw patterns on the eggshell with melted beeswax. After each layer of wax, the egg is dipped in dye—from light to dark shades—carefully building up a design over multiple steps. Once complete, the wax is gently melted off to reveal the intricate, multicolored design underneath.

Creating a pysanka is more than just a display of artistic skill—it’s a layered act of storytelling, where every line, color, and symbol holds meaning passed down through generations. These delicate eggs serve as visual expressions of Ukrainian values, beliefs, and identity. The symbols found on pysanky are anything but random; they carry rich significance rooted in folklore, spirituality, and national pride.

No two pysanky are the same, and designs often carry deep symbolism. The final product is a delicate masterpiece—part artwork, part spiritual expression, and wholly Ukrainian. Here are just a few of the meaningful motifs commonly found in pysanky design:

• Wheat stalks – Representing fertility, prosperity, and gratitude, wheat is a symbol deeply connected to Ukraine’s agricultural heritage and the importance of the land.
• Poppies – Often included as a symbol of remembrance and resilience. In Ukrainian culture, poppies are associated with honoring the fallen and preserving cultural memory.
• Doves and other birds – Birds, especially doves, signify peace, freedom, and the soul’s connection to the divine—imagery that has become especially poignant in times of conflict.
• Tryzub (trident) – Ukraine’s national emblem, symbolizing sovereignty, unity, and the enduring spirit of the nation. Its presence in modern pysanky is a powerful statement of patriotism.
• Botanical elements – Leaves and floral designs symbolize vitality, love, strength, and harmony with nature. Each variation conveys its own blessing.
• Geometric patterns – Intricate designs often mirror those seen in Ukrainian embroidery (vyshyvanka), carrying regional identity.
• Crosses and sacred symbols – Incorporated to express faith and divine protection, especially around Easter, when the pysanka plays a central role in religious tradition.
• The Tree of Life – A symbol of family roots, eternity, and the interconnectedness of all living things, this motif often spans the egg’s surface in elegant symmetry.

A Symbol of Heritage, Especially in Times of Adversity

In Ukraine, pysanky are more than seasonal crafts—they are enduring symbols of identity and hope. They have been made for centuries as part of springtime rituals, family gatherings, and community celebrations, particularly around Easter. Traditionally, eggs were blessed and given to family members, used in protective rituals, or placed in homes to bring prosperity.

Today, in light of the ongoing war and cultural threats facing Ukraine, the pysanka has taken on renewed meaning. It serves as a quiet but powerful form of resistance—celebrating culture, preserving Ukrainian symbolism, and passing on history in the most personal of ways.

Workshops and exhibitions around the world are helping ensure the tradition endures, introducing new generations to the rich symbolism behind each design and encouraging people of all backgrounds to connect through culture.

Why You’ll Want To Attend

This upcoming presentation at Selby Library is a chance to dive deeper into this remarkable tradition—from the meticulous artistry involved to the meanings embedded in the designs and color. You’ll learn:

• How pysanky are made using traditional tools and techniques
• What different symbols and color combinations represent
• The folklore tied to pysanka designs
• Why this tradition remains so important in Ukrainian life today

Whether you’re of Ukrainian heritage or simply curious about folk art and tradition, this presentation promises to be both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Event Details

When: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Where: Selby Library – 1331 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Cost: Free 

Come discover the story behind the pysanka—a story of culture, connection, and creative expression passed down through generations.