Pysanka is a traditional Ukrainian spring practice in which the egg is not merely a decorated object, but a symbolic message. The word pysanka means “written egg” — the patterns are written onto the surface of the egg with hot wax and dyed in multiple stages. This creates a layered image rich in meaning.

Traditionally, pysanky were made in spring to celebrate the return of light, the awakening of nature, and the beginning of new life. Each motif is part of a symbolic language: the sun represents light and warmth, waves symbolize water and purification, the tree stands for life and growth, birds signify new beginnings and hope, and stars represent protection and the order of the world. When a person chooses the patterns, they simultaneously choose the thought or wish they want to “write” into the egg.

In this workshop, pysanka is approached not as a religious object but as a cultural and symbolic spring ritual — a slow, hands-on process that brings together tradition, nature, concentration, and creativity. The work unfolds at a calm pace, almost like meditation, allowing attention to shift away from everyday life toward making by hand and creating meaning.

Participants do not need prior artistic experience. The most important aspect is not a perfect final result, but the process itself: creating one’s own spring symbol and becoming familiar with a culture in which an image is not merely an image, but a language.

At the end, each participant will take home their own pysanka — not only as a keepsake, but as a small personal symbol of spring and light.

All materials are provided, including instructions in Finnish and Ukrainian, gift packaging (a box for the Easter egg), and all necessary supplies.

The workshop is free of charge but requires registration. The maximum number of participants is 30.
Register here: https://forms.gle/57HA4p5VyrygmUcN7

The workshop will be led by Olha Sanina and Liubov Lukashova. The workshop is made possible by the support of the Ministry of Education and Culture for the residency activities of Ukrainian artists at Villa Rana.