Want to learn the ancient art of pysanky — Ukrainian Easter egg decorating – and help foster peace?
Join us for our third annual Pysanky making event led by the David Schinhofen and Kristen Pett.
“During my childhood, as Easter approached, our house was filled with the aroma of marzipan and hot wax. The kitchen was inundated with candles, lids with hunks of bee’s wax, kistkas, and eggs set upon newspaper stained with dye and blots of hardened wax.
My mother learned the practice from her mother, and she from hers who brought the art from Ukraine to America between the two World Wars. The tradition has been passed down through five generations of our family.
And the story told was… The evil of the world is embodied in a terrible monster tied to a cave at the edge of the world by a holy iron chain. He has slathering teeth, long claws, red eyes, and he never sleeps. Each spring he sends his minions to the towns to discover how people are conducting their lives. The chain grows and shrinks in relation to the number of eggs made each year. In times of hardship, when few eggs are made, and folks argue among themselves, the monster laughs out loud and the chain grows long and weak. He wanders freely causing havoc and destruction and wicked ways spread throughout the world. If, however, people are friendly and folks take the trouble to sit evenings together and color their eggs, he gnashes his teeth for his chain becomes short and grows strong – and good triumphs evil once again. It is through this love together that the world knows peace once more.”
– David Schinhoffen
“Whether you have never made an Easter egg in the Ukrainian style or you’ve been doing them for years and are a master artisan, please join us on April 6th after church to make pysanky together. Part of the tradition is simply taking time to make them together and create a little beauty in the world we share. Another part is giving them away after they are made. David remembers taking his teachers an egg his mother decorated each year. His mother remembers having eggs blessed and given to people to help them get better or end an argument. Through the small act of decorating eggs, we spread peace between us and we can unify against unjust acts and evil in the world.”
-Kristen Pett
Support Ukraine and share the legend of pysanky. All ages are welcome with the understanding that the kiddos will need to attend with a supervising adult. Material used to decorate the eggs include permanent (non-toxic) dyes, hot wax, and candle flame.
What to bring?
Yourself and your favorite kistka, if you have one.
Not your Sunday best.
Please wear clothes suitable to get creative in.
How you can give.
A suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family is appreciated. Donations will be given to UU Service Committee Emergency Relief Fund Ukraine Response.
Do I need to RSVP?
All are welcome. But it does help for us to know how many are in your group.
RSVP HERE or email for more information.