We have been patiently waiting for our girls to get a little older before they shared another special tradition with us, mainly because it required the use of fire and hot wax. We decided that this year was the right time for our friends to teach us about the art of creating Ukrainian Easter Eggs, also known as Pysanky.
Pysanky requires a kistka, a special tool, kind of like a hot wax pen, that allows you to write your design on the egg. The wax acts as a barrier and resists the dye that you dip your eggs into as your design evolves. The wax in the kistka must be reheated over a candle flame frequently in order to continue writing on the egg. With each addition to your design, you dip the egg into a new dye color.
The process required an enormous amount of patience and focus (the main reason we waited for the girls to be old enough to participate). Funny enough it was the adults of the group that had the hardest time. I personally dropped two of the many eggs that were accidentally broken that day, while Abby and Maddy successfully completed 6 eggs without a crack.
We learned that there is a movement this year where some museums are encouraging people to make Ukrainian eggs and send them in to be put on display. Later, when the war is over, the eggs will be collected and sent to Ukraine bringing our prayers, hope, and good fortune to the country as it rebuilds.
In the midst of the excitement of spring and the upcoming Easter holiday, this was a fun activity to do together as part of an extended family, and more importantly a way to remember that not everywhere in the world enjoys the peace and stability that we do here in our country. There is a saying that 'The more pysanky made in the world, the closer we are to peace'. Hopefully, the pysanky we made together that day will add something positive to the world.
While we are on the subject of eggs, look for our virtual Easter Egg Hunt on Instagram and Facebook tomorrow. One lucky winner will receive a $40 gift card to The Kerby's Houseplant Shop! And don't forget that new plants drop at noon EST. Lots of plant goodies for adding to your Life Lived Inside. We hope that all of you have a lovely Easter enjoying your traditions. We'll be taking the day off to celebrate the holiday with our family and friends and we hope that you get a chance to do the same.