Ukrainian Pysanky (Pisanki) Easter Egg Colors
Ukrainian Pysanky (Pisanki) Easter Egg Colors, Symbols and their Meanings
These colors are traditionally used to color or paint Ukrainian Pysanky Easter Eggs. Each color is given a special meaning to signify an event or state of being.
Pysanky (also spelled Pisanki) Easter Egg designs are generally simple geometrical forms such as circles and squares in design and decoration.
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WHITE: Purity, innocence, birth
YELLOW: Light, purity, youth, happiness, hospitality
ORANGE: Strength, endurance, the eternal sun
RED: Happiness in life, hope, passion, the sun |
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BLACK: Eternity, the darkest time before the dawn
BLUE: The sky and life-giving air and good health
GREEN: Spring, hope and new growth |
Symbols traditionally used to create Ukrainian Pysanky Egg designs.
- Diamond: signifies knowledge
- Ladder: signifies prosperity, or prayer
- Pine Needle: signifies health, physical energy, eternal youth
- Cross: Any form of the cross signifies the Resurrection of Christ, death and suffering, or the Four Corners of the World.
- Wheat: signifies wishes for good health and a bountiful harvest
- Dots: represent stars or the tears of Mary during the crucifixion
- Net: signifies Christ as a fisherman
- Eight-pointed Star: symbolizes Christ and/or the sun god
- Deer, Horses, rams, and animals in general: signify wealth and prosperity
- Fish: signifies Christianity
- Curl: signifies defense or protection
- Spider: signifies patience
- Rose: signifies love, caring
- Triangle: signifies trinity. EG: air, fire, and water; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; heaven, earth, and hell
- The Saw (also known as Wolves' teeth): signifies fire, life-giving heat loyalty and wisdom
- Resting Bird: signifies fulfillment of wishes, and fertility. The bird is never depicted flying
- Poppy: symbolizes joy and beauty
- The Sun and Stars: signifies life, fortune, growth
- Ribbon: signifies everlasting life, and water
- Designs circling the entire egg: Designs with no beginning or end signify eternity
Pysanky Easter Egg decorations are an ancient form of folk art from the Ukrainian area. Many of the delicate and intricate designs used have historic and religious symbolism. Pysanky eggs are carefully decorated using mixtures of beeswax and colorful natural dyes. Traditionally this art form is most popular during the springtime around Easter time. Pysanky Eggs make great gifts for family and friends.
For more information about the history of Pysanky Egg decorating and symbolism:
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