SASKATOON -The long tradition of creating Ukrainian Easter Eggs, with vibrant colours and delicate designs, was offered in a sold-out March 22 workshop at the Ukrainian Museum of Saskatchewan, located on Spadina Crescent, Saskatoon.
A pysanka (plural pysanky) is a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decorated using a wax-resist method, known as the batik method. The process involves applying melted wax to the eggshell in a design, then dipping it into different coloured dyes, layer by layer. Once the final layer of dye is applied, the wax is melted off to reveal the intricate design underneath.
Marta Krueger, who works at the museum and was one of the facilitators at the Saturday workshop says that they hold these psyanky workshops each Easter season, and have been holding them since the beginning of March.
When Ukrainians speak of “writing pysanky,” they are not merely decorating eggs; they are crafting stories, traditions, and cultural heritage onto each delicate shell. The history of this artistic creation spans centuries.
Each egg is dipped in a different coloured dye, starting from the lightest and ending with the darkest as the final colour. Each colour used holds high symbolism. For instance, purple reflects faith, trust and patience.
The melted beeswax that is ‘written’ on each egg, allowing each egg to include specially selected motifs and symbols resulting in a stunning piece of work.
Psyanky workshop offers learning experience on history and tradition of Ukranian Easter Eggs
“We host different varieties of these workshops from ones like we are hosting today for families and children. We also host intermediate, advanced and master class workshops,” says Krueger.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of these hand-held creations, there lies a rich tapestry of the Easter Egg, Psyanky, history and meaning.
Krueger said they also have hosted natural dye workshops, Psyanky etching, which is another form of artistic creation, along with Easter bread and other traditional Ukrainian cultural activities.
Participants pay a registration fee which helps fund supplies as well as contributes to the museum’s ability to host continual workshops. Krueger affirms says usually cap off the total number at 25 to maintain a small group learning and teaching environment, and the Mar. 22 event was considered sold out.
This workshop included a father and daughter duo enjoying some meaningful time together at one table with the dad saying he had taken part in this activity as a kid and was happy when his daughter was interested.
Kruger said they do promotions through several social media sites as well as their website, with museum members having the added advantage of getting the information included in their monthly newsletters.
The mid-March workshop included two instructors in Krueger and assistant, Anastasia.
Psyanky workshop offered meaningful family experience
“What’s great about this workshop is that participants can take their product home. The art of psyanky can showcase creative and artistic talents as well as offer almost meditative benefits,” adds Krueger.
Two mother and daughter duos shared a table saying this was their first time taking part in this workshop, although one of the mom’s said she had participated in her family’s activity of egg creations, with Ukrainian heritage in her background.
It was clearly evident that the methodical, intricate handiwork these girls where undertaking was both reflective while offering an enjoyable family experience.
You can learn more about the Ukrainian Museum of Canada on their webpage, including information on upcoming events and activities such as this workshop. The Ukrainian Museum of Canada researches, develops, and presents Ukrainian cultural heritage for people of all cultural backgrounds to share.
