Pysanka, Ukrainian tradition and art of decorating eggs

Pysanka (plural: pysanky) is a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated using a wax-resist method. The art of pysanka dates back thousands of years, with origins in pre-Christian times. Ancient Ukrainians worshipped nature gods and decorated eggs with symbolic patterns to ensure fertility, protection, and prosperity.

With the adoption of Christianity in 988 AD, pysanky became associated with Easter, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection and renewal of life. The intricate designs and colours each held specific meanings, often passed down through generations.

During Soviet rule (1922–1991), the practice of making pysanky was suppressed due to its religious and nationalist significance. However, Ukrainian communities abroad preserved the tradition. After Ukraine regained independence in 1991, pysanka-making experienced a revival, becoming a proud symbol of Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Today, pysanky are not only a key part of Easter celebrations but also a powerful symbol of Ukrainian identity and resilience, especially in times of hardship. There is an ancient Ukrainian legend which says that as long as pysanky are decorated, evil cannot prevail over the world.

Pysanka eggs are created using a wax-resist technique. The process involves several key techniques to achieve intricate designs and vibrant colours:

1. Wax-Resist Method

This is the traditional and most widely used technique:

• Kistka (stylus) application: Melted beeswax is applied to the eggshell using a kistka (a specialised stylus). The wax covers areas that should remain the current colour.
• Dyeing in layers: The egg is dipped in dye, starting from the lightest colour to the darkest. After each dyeing, more wax is applied to preserve the chosen areas.
• Wax removal: Once all layers are completed, the wax is melted off by heating the egg near a candle or in an oven, revealing the multi-coloured patterns.

2. Drop-Pull Method

• This is an older folk technique where beeswax is applied using a pinhead or a small stick to create teardrop-like patterns.
• The resulting designs are more geometric and symmetrical compared to the fine lines of the kistka method.

3. Etched (Engraved) Pysanka

• Instead of applying wax, the egg is dyed first, and then the design is scratched into the surface using a sharp tool.
• This method creates intricate, fine-lined designs by revealing the lighter shell beneath the dye.

5. Carved Pysanka

• The eggshell is carved using a fine drill or laser-cutting tools.
• This method is more modern and results in highly detailed, lace-like patterns.

Each technique has its own unique aesthetic and cultural significance, but the traditional wax-resist method remains the most popular and deeply rooted in Ukrainian heritage.

The traditional practice of decorating eggs using wax-resist and dyes—is most famously associated with Ukraine, but it’s also part of the cultural heritage in several other countries, especially those with historical ties to Eastern European or Orthodox Christian traditions. These include Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Czech Republic and Hungary.

War and Displacement: The war in Ukraine has had a profound impact on the tradition of pysanka, disrupting cultural education and family practices that are essential for passing down this intricate folk art. Community centres, schools, and museums that once supported pysanka-making have been damaged or destroyed, severing vital links between generations and curbing opportunities for communal learning. Many artists have been displaced, making it difficult for them to access materials, teach others, or continue practicing their craft.

However, it has also sparked a global resurgence of interest as pysanky become symbols of Ukrainian identity and resilience.

Pysanka in diaspora communities: despite the challenges, pysanka is experiencing a revival amongst those in Ukrainian diasporas and supporters of Ukraine using pysanka as a symbol of solidarity and heritage.

• Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain: https://www.augb.co.uk
• Association of Ukrainian Women in Great Britain: http://auw.org.uk/
• Ukrainian Institute London: https://ukrainianinstitute.org.uk/

There are no formal training opportunities to learn pysanka in the UK but there are short courses and workshops being run by practitioners of the craft.

• Maria Kopczyk
• Anna Lytwyn
• Valeria Leonova

There will be more practitioners making pysanka within communities in the UK.

The Alla Horska Museum of Ukrainian Folk Art (run by the Association of Ukrainian Women in Great Britain) has a collection of pysanky made by members of the diaspora community. Many are decorated with traditional and regional patterns, as well as some with unique or original designs.

• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Pysanka, Ukrainian tradition and art of decorating eggs https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/pysanka-ukrainian-tradition-and-art-of-decorating-eggs-02134
• The Kyiv Independent: UNESCO adds Ukrainian egg decoration to intangible cultural heritage list, https://kyivindependent.com/unesco-adds-ukrainian-egg-decoration-to-intangible-cultural-heritage-list
• Ukrainian World Congress: Ukrainian pysanka named a cultural heritage of humanity: https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/ukrainian-pysanka-named-a-cultural-heritage-of-humanity/
• Spotlight Ukraine: Ukrainian Pysanka: A Resilient Symbol of Heritage in Troubled Times https://spotlightukraine.com/ukrainian-pysanka-a-resilient-symbol-of-heritage-in-troubled-times/

Our thanks go to our 2025 reviewers:

• Valeria Leonova
• Maria Kopczyk
• Larysa Bolton, Association of Ukrainian Women in Great Britain
• Olga Kurtianyk (Chair), Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (Rochdale Branch)
• Ruth Flanagan, Cartwheel Arts

We consult with a wide range of practitioners and organisations to review and update the Red List. Some choose to remain anonymous but all feedback is taken into account.

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