Ukranian Eggs

Ukrainian Eggs were decorated with symbols for religious purposes. The eggs were either blown by puncturing two tiny holes at both ends and blowing its' contents out, or they were left raw to dry internally, with a sand-like, shaking substance left inside. They could be given as gifts and put on display, eventually holding a tie with Easter, for the egg symbolises birth, and Christ was rose from the dead on Easter. As these eggs may look simple or complex, they hold beauty as well as meaning. Each color and symbol had an idea attached, each egg different yet the same. Colors held various meanings such as white for purity and birth, orange for endurance and ambition, and green for hopefulness and health. Many designs were placed upon the egg shell like an embattled line for containment and a meander line for harmony and motion. The pine tree represented strength, growth, and eternal life. The standing cross was a symbol of worship. The rooster represented good fortune and a life with many children. So many designs had so many different meanings, turning a mere egg into a treasure.

In class, we did not have the anticipated skill to be able to cooperate together to blow the eggs or be able to keep them whole while raw, so they were kindly boiled for us. This was a very good idea because most of them ended up breaking anyway, or being broken by an unsatisfied student. I was very interesting how we had to use bees wax, which was the funnest part. I loved the quick drying and working with bees wax. After, we would put the egg in a color that we wanted, dying all of the egg except the wax-covered part. We would repeat this process until we colored the entire egg as desired. I was unhappy with my egg, yet the process was enjoyable with the wax. I did not love waiting for the egg to dye, but patience is needed in life so I suppose it was good training for the future. While this photo of an egg is not colored as I would have done it, I enjoy the particular design on its shell.