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or with the mature female mem bers of her immediate family. Before the .evening of the same day, the dyes had to be prepared and cooked and at least two kist- ky (writing instruments for the wax, usually a tiny hollow brass rone attached to a stick at right angles) made. Pure beeswax was kept in a small cup placed in a large earth enware vesisel filled with glowing charcoal. The well-chosen eggs, washed in cold water, or sour whey, were wrapped in a soft cloth and put on the warming ove-n and allowed to dry. Before beginning her design, the proper prayer and blessing had to be given, — and then the artist* was ready. She usually worked alone or only with the women of her immediate family. When finished, the Pysanky were kept well hidden from the eyes of prying neighbors, lest some one else should try to imitate an original de-sign. Thonyh nost of the symbols in an Easter egg are of ancient pagan origin, each woman must apply her own skill and ingenuity in creating, com bining and arranging the patterns and colors harmoniously, since rarely are two eggs decorated identically. It was not until Holy Saturday, when the prepared food for Easter Sunday feast was carried in large baskets to church to -receive the blessing of Holy Water, that the Pysanky were exposed to public view. 4—'Ukrainian folk tales come down through the centuries and some are still being retold about the Easter egg. From the colorful Hutzul mountaineers comes this story of the “Blessed Virgin Mary, who, during the agony of Christ, decorated some Pysanky to take before Pontius Pilate to -plead for His life. As she worked, tears fell onto the eggs, thus for ming brilliantly colored dots. (To this day an authentic Hutzul .egg will contain dots as o-art of the design in honor of Our Lady's tears).” “To continue the story, when She came before Pilate, Mary dropped to her knees in grief, and as she did, the Pysankv rolled from her apron and across the floor, and continued rolling until they were distributed around the world. And so they are still dis tributed at Eeaster to commemo rate His teachings of peace and love.” 5—:‘Omne vivum ex ove.” The egg was believed to be the origin of ALL THINGS and has been associated from the earliest pa gan times with the mythical and religious ceremonies. The “East er” egg tradition is simply a con tinuation o-f that concept, retain ing many of its magical quali ties. In the Ukraine a bo-wlful of Pysanky was invaria'bily kept in every home, not only as a color ful display, but also as a protec tion against lightning and fire. Shel'ls of the K-rashankia were placed into the thatched roofs of homes to turn away high winds and rain. Krashanky were also credited with magical healing powers. One was suspended from the neck of a seriously ill person or touched to the spot of one suf fering from blood poisoning. diately another egg was pitted against his winning one. The fin al remaining one claimed all the others — or as many uneaten ones he could get). The older bro thers and sisters were engaged in a more serious “game.” It was on this occasion that th.e blushing Ukrainian maidens, dressed in their most attractive, hand-made Easter outfits, presented their favorite beaus with a special Py- sanka. This was her indication of a definite fondness for him, — and an engagement was likely to be announced that summer. 7—Another Hutzul tale has the answer to the problems of the world! It is their belief that the fate of the world depends upon the Pysanka. As long as the trad ition remains and eggs continue to be decorated, the world will exist. But should the custom cease, EVIL will encompass the world and destroy it, because an Hollow brass cone attached- to a stick at right angles, which is used for writing with wax To learn the fate of the soul of a member of the family recently departed, a Krashanka was plac ed on the grave, covered lightly with ’some earth- and allowed to remain overnight. When it was recovered and found to be undis turbed, without a mark and un soiled, it indicated that the soul was safe with God. But had the egg been uncovered by a stray animal ,abused or harmed in any way, the soul was in great need of assistance through prayer. 6—While the youngsters par took in such Easter egg games on the church lawn as “Trial of the Krashanky” (the strength of a hard-cooked Krashanka was tested by knocking it against an opponents until one cracked. The victor got the spoils, and imme ancient, vicious creature lies heavily chained against a huge cliff; but its advocates encircle the earth each year and keep a record of the number of Pysanky decorated. When there are few, the creatures chains loosen and Evil begins to flow through the world. But should they find the custom practiced -extensively, the chains hoild the monster taut, al lowing Love to conquer Evil. Maybe this is just a tale — and maybe i»t isn’t. Anyway, decorat ing Pysanky is lots of fun. Aside from keeping up one of the old est and most beautiful of Ukrain ian customs you can treat your self to a few hours of enjoyment that comes only when creating something beautiful. НАЙЩИРІШІ ПОБАЖАННЯ ВЕСЕЛИХ І ЩАСЛИВИХ СВЯТ ВОСКРЕСЕННЯ ХРИСТОВОГО своїм приятелям і знайомим пересилають ОЛЕНА і ВОЛОДИМИР ЛОТОЦЬКІ Видання C оюзу Українок A мерики - перевидано в електронному форматі в 2012 році . A рхів C У A - Ню Йорк , Н . Й . C Ш A.
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