Pysankas feature a triple symbolism, combining the symbols of the real egg, of the pattern and of the color.
The old stories say that crucified Jesus Christ dropped his blood onto Easter eggs, which colored them red. Then the Madonna’s tears fell on the colored Easter eggs and made them patterned. Since then pysankas exist as symbols of life, love, and unfading beauty.
Ukrainian hand painted hollow eggs feature very symbolic designs, reflecting the powerful nature, which is proved by seeing a yellow circle with rays – a sign of the sun – on many masterpieces. It’s all the same about broken crosses (type of solar motive) and ducks’ necks, though they might be closer to the swastika symbols. The patterns of this kind claim to be magic and able to secure the pysanka’s owner with all his family from the many misfortunes.
A blossomed tree, cherry for example, is the most widespread floral pattern of decorated eggs. Such patterns symbolize everlasting youth and love. Animal motives are very popular as well, the most common patters being the picture of a deer or a horse – a symbol of strength and endurance.
At the same time the most widespread patterns of the hand painted Easter eggs are geometric ones. For instance, one of the most popular patterns is a ladder, symbolizing constant development; another one is "forty wedges," displaying 48 triangles, each of which can fulfill one wish. Among the other popular geometric patterns there are "basket" egg (a symbol of maternity) and "road" egg (a sign of foreverness).
If you buy the hand painted decorated egg, you should remember that you won’t just purchase a small piece of incredible art, but also bring a "guardian angel" to your home, which will change your life and life of your family for the better.