Pysanka (pih-sahn-kah) Eggs
The egg has long been a symbol of the sun (think of the yolk, and it’s golden color), and a symbol of renewal and life. Thus gaining it’s place as a symbol of spring. Pysankarstvo (pih-sahn-karst-voe) is a living art originating in Eastern Europe- a tradition practiced during the spring to honor the rebirth of seasons and life. The word pysanky comes from the Ukrainian word pysaty "to write." In Slavic culture, these designs were “written” onto the eggs with wax, layered and then melted away to reveal the final design.
Originally, Pysankarstvo was an art only made by adult women. The art was passed from mother to daughter for generations. Pysanky were talismanic objects- they were created to ensure the return of spring, to protect people from evil or catastrophe, and to bring fertility to livestock and crops. People also gave pysanky as gifts to family and friends. Some were placed in coffins or near graves, some put in newly plowed fields, others given as gifts, used at weddings, or displayed in peoples' homes near their icons/on their Altars.
Our event will give a broad array of possibilities, as we bring this amazing tradition into the here and now. We will be utilizing modern methods for this introductory event as we create sigils of rebirth and prosperity for the upcoming seasons. ~Tara (Korrah)
About Our Guest Instructor:
Tara (Korrah) is a locally stationed Active Duty service member who is a traditional Norse-Druid that was raised in a Roman Catholic home. Having been a solitary practitioner for many years, they were welcomed into the Ancient order of Druids in America (AODA) in the summer of 2022- they are currently working on a Bachelor’s of Religions, Culture, and Public Life through Arizona State University. They used a Pysanka in their wedding Altar on Imbolc!