On Sat., April 12, from noon to 2 p.m., East Villager Anna Sawaryn will lead a Ukrainian Easter egg decorating workshop at 6th & B Garden, on Avenue B between Fifth and and Sixth Sts.
Since the workshop will use candles and hot beeswax, children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
For centuries, Ukrainians have been creating pysanky (pronounced “peh-san-keh”) using a batik process. Eggs represent life and were given to friends as a symbol of good fortune and protection from harm. With Christianity’s acceptance in 988, the pysanka, a symbol of rebirth, became a part of Ukrainian Easter traditions.
Eggs are dyed, starting with the lightest color and then adding progressively darker ones, usually ending with black. A stylus and hot beeswax are used to cover the color beneath. Whatever is covered with beeswax remains that color and is protected from the next dye. At the end, the beeswax is removed, revealing the many layers of color.
