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O U R L I F E Monthly, published by Ukrainian N ational Women's League o f America PYSA N K Y, K R A S H A N K Y — The egg is an object of reverence in numerous countries of the world and as a result there are many stories and legends associated with it. The egg is sym bolic of the transition from an inaminate state to life, it virtually symbolizes life, joy, the sun, specifically the sun in the Spring. The belief in the magic of the egg has its roots in folk culture. The egg was used to ward off evil, illness, dangerous animals, insect plagues and other natural disasters. Eggs were used as part of magic rituals. They were worn around the neck in little pouches as amulets or were placed on a grave to show a bond with the deceased. The shells of eggs were thrown into rivers with the hope they would float to where the mystic her mits lived, to give them news from the world. Eggs were used in fortune telling and in many more applications. Birds were held in high esteem, since by flying high they were able to see everything and pass their informa tion to the gods. Domesticated birds were particularly useful as decorations. The rooster “the bird of gods”, who controlled men’s actions, was particularly revered. His image was worked into embroidery designs on ritual cloths, carved on wooden chests or moulded out of clay. Even today, images of roosters can be seen on church spires or beneath the cross, which symbolizes the blending of Christianity with the ancient pagan beliefs. M Y T H S A N D S T O R IE S There are many legends about the rooster. Even though his rightful place was next to the gods, he con tinually tried to help mankind. He guarded people against the evil spirit and each morning dispersed the fog with his song. The chicken’s job was to lay eggs, a feat properly tied to higher powers. The chicken represented a doting mother who was always puttering around her children. By mistake, the chicken was snatched from earth and placed in the constellation in space, where she sits now, guarding her brood. Even though the chicken’s role was more important, she was somewhere in the background, while the rooster’s strenght and beauty was glorified. Probably his piercing morning cry “ku ku ri ku” made him so very important in the eyes of the ancient people. The church, in adopting the rooster also adopted the egg, which became an indispensible part of Easter celebrations. Initially, the dual beliefs allowed for the blending of Christian symbolism and pagan rituals. A pagan ceremony turned into a Christian ceremony. The celebration of the Spring rites with its rebirth of nature, was through centuries incorporated into the majestic Christian celebration of Easter. The fear of a higher power motivated man to appease it. One of the ways to do this was through the magic of painted eggs. The art of painting eggs reflects man’s attempts to please the unseen powers. It was necessary НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, КВІТЕНЬ 1990 19
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