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egg designs
supplies you'll need
the basic steps
help & more info
f.a.q.
hints/tricks
symbol & color meanings
offline resources
where do I...?
find egg designs
buy supplies
take workshops
list my workshop
fun extras
ukrainian recipes
pysanky coloring pages
original dye recipes
legends & traditions
site stuff
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of further interest
ann's rcm coins
peasant magic show
pysanky gift ideas
ann's gift shop
Symbols and Colors Used on Pysanky
Symbols
Motifs in designs are usually abstract representations of actual objects, creatures, etc.
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| Ladders prosperity, or prayer. |
Pine Needles health, stamina, eternal youth. |
Crosses Christ, or the Four Corners of the World. |
Wheat wishes for good health and a good harvest. |
The Sun and Stars life, fortune, growth. |
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| Deer, Horses, and/or Rams wealth and prosperity. |
Fish Christianity |
Curls defense or protection. |
Roses love, caring. |
Poppies beloved Ukrainian art motif, symbolizing joy and beauty. |
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| Triangles trinities, eg.: air, fire, & water; the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit; heaven, earth, & hell. |
The Saw fire, life-giving heat (also known as Wolves' teeth, symbolizing loyalty and wisdom). |
Birds fulfillment of wishes, and fertility. The bird is always shown at rest, never flying. |
Nets Christ's reference to becoming "fishers of people". |
Ribbons everlasting life, and water. |
Colors
Here are some of the symbolic meanings for colors used in decorating pysanky:
Sources: Ukrainian Design Book 1, Ukrainian Design Book 2, Eggs Beautiful.