The fascinating history of Ukrainian Easter eggs

An ancient custom from Ukraine feels especially meaningful this Easter, as it’s become a symbol of hope in dark times. The gorgeous pysanky eggs are a long-standing Easter tradition, and have become a way to show support for Ukrainians at this crucial moment in their history.

Pysanky eggs are nothing like the simple vinegar-dyed eggs you might have made as a kid. These eggs are decorated with a hot wax and indelible dye technique that is tricky and time-consuming but incredibly beautiful and elaborate.

You can see how to make them here:

For Ukrainians, pysanky eggs are an essential part of the Easter celebrations. They’ve been a part of Ukrainian spring festivals since long before the time of Christ: Pysanky “dates back to the pre-Christian era.”

Back then, “the eggs were believed to contain great powers,” according to the pysanky artists who wrote Eggs Beautiful: How to make Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Pre-Christian Ukrainians believed that the eggs could cure infertility, protect homes from fire, control weather, prevent famine, and ensure good health. 

So when Christianity reached Europe, the Ukrainians didn’t stop making their beloved eggs. Instead, the pysanky tradition converted right alongside them:

The colored Easter eggs were still perceived to have supernatural powers after their Christianization. One tradition held that colored egg shells could reach the land of the Blazhenni, “the souls of children who died before their baptism”:

Another legend concerning death directed a grieving family to place a colored egg in the loose soil over a loved one’s grave.

Another legend supposed that the eggs actually prevented death:

These legends about the magical powers of Easter eggs may have faded away, but the tradition of making pysanky eggs is alive and well.

Perhaps the most interesting legend is the reason pysanky eggs feel especially significant this year.

The idea that pysanky eggs bring goodness and love into the world and conquer evil has inspired a renewed sharing of pysanky eggs and art, both in solidarity with Ukraine and also to benefit Ukraine. 

The Washington Post shared the story of a Ukrainian-American woman who held a workshop to teach the art of pysanky, donating the proceeds to Ukrainian relief efforts. She said,

Another pysanky workshop teacher shares the same legend and “tells participants they are ‘saving the world, one egg at a time.’”

This year, as you’re dying Easter eggs, hiding them, or eating them, you might think of the ancient legends behind these loveliest of all colored eggs, and feel inspired to offer a heartfelt prayer for Ukraine.