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All PYSANKY are created the same way, the only thing that differs is the design on each egg. All designs are an accumulation of ancient symbols and current motifs arranged in different patterns and differing color schemes. Each pysanka is an individual piece of art work, since no two eggs are exactly alike.
Originally the eggs were kept full to keep the mystical powers intact. But in modern days of changing air pressure and shipping, we empty the eggs to ensure a safe delivery with no mess or smell. The designs are the most important for the well-wishing gifts.
Pysanky can be displayed in a multitude of ways from grouping on a plate, in a bowl or clear vase, individually in stands, candle or boiled-egg holders, and even hanging with embroidery floss and tassles. Pysanky were often placed in the corners of the home and in the thatched roofs to ward off fire, lightning and high winds. Broken pysanka shells are sprinkled into the soil to ensure healthy crops.
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Starting with a raw (uncooked) or empty egg, lightly sketch with pencil the main division lines. All designs are drawn free-hand on the egg. Then, heat the kistka, melting the beeswax, so that you can get the thin lines of wax. All lines that are to remain white are drawn with melted beeswax on to the egg. The wax acts like a protective covering, sealing the color on to the egg.
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Once all the lines that are to be white are covered with wax, the entire egg is dipped into the yellow dye bath. Any part of the eggshell that is not covered with wax will turn yellow. All parts of the design that are to be yellow get covered with wax to seal in the yellow color.
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The egg is then dipped in to the orange dye bath. The wax covering the white and yellow parts of the design is still on the egg. The wax needs to stay in place until all the designing of the egg is done. All parts of the design which are orange need to be covered and protected with wax while the egg is orange.
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The red color on the egg is the most predominant color in designing the Pysanka. All aspects of the design to carry the red color are covered with wax. Then the egg is dipped in to the last, darkest dye bath, black.
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Once the egg is removed from the black dye bath, all the wax that was applied from the very beginning is removed. By holding the egg next to the candle flame, the wax is slowly melted off. |
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The vibrant colors of the completed egg shine through. Then a coat of high gloss is applied for the finishing touch. The pysanka is now ready to be given as a gift of love and well-wishing. |
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