Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make an egg?
It really depends on the complexity of the design and the number of colors. The average egg takes between 2 to 4 hours. The more intricate and the larger the egg the longer it takes. The majority of eggs on this page took an average of 3 to 5 hours each.
Is it hard to learn or do these eggs?
It is not hard to make them, but it does take a lot of patience and time. I do teach classes to all sorts of groups, from elemetary schools to girl scout troups, to senior citizen craft seminars. There is no age limit, or any other limit. Anyone interested in taking the time to learn, is capable of creating Pysanky.
How long do they last?
The eggs will last forever as long as they are not smashed to bits. Egg shells are made of calcium which does not decompose or fall apart. The colors on the eggs may fade in time, but the egg itself will be around for generations. We know that the eggs last from the acheological digs that found the ancient Trypillian designs on real eggshells.
Why do the Trypillian (brown and black) eggs look like Aztec or Indian designs?
Trypillian eggs date back to the Neolithic Era, thousands of years before man became domesticated. All around the world man worshipped animal and nature spirits. When man tried to capture the spirit, he would depict it in drawing on cave walls, in the dirt, or any object they could carry with them. Man drew what he saw - water, the sun, animals, plants - and had only the colors of the earth - the natural wall or shell, the browns of the clay dirt, and black from the ashes. Before man became domesticated with religion and politics, life and survival were universal world wide. All ancient digs uncover the uncanny uniformation of ancient uncivilized man.
Are these eggs specifically for Christians, since all the symbols have Christian meanings?
When Christianity came to Ukraine in 988 AD, it was believed that the entire world was Christian. When the word Christianity is in a meaning, it actually stands for Mankind. Christian man was considered to be civilized, and not pagan.
Does each design have a specific meaning?
Every detail, and every color has a meaning on the Pysanka. All together there is an overall meaning: love.