Published March 21. 2023 11:39AM
by
BY JENN RAGO
Special to the Bethlehem Press
The pysanka, a decorated egg, is the traditional symbol of spring, renewed life and Easter. Specifically associated with the Ukraine, these eggs are making a resurgence in all cultures.
They are decorated with symbols that carry meaning and good wishes. Thus the psyanka egg and Celtic shamrock unite. The Celtic Cultural Alliance, as part of their mission, hosted a pysanky egg workshop March 12. Celtic Classic Board director and Pysanky egg artist Lane Rundle instructed a full class of eager “eggers”. The design for their eggs? The Shamrock. These modern day eggers used the traditional Ukrainian method to decorate the eggs using beeswax and dye.
Rundle was first introduced to Pysanky eggs by his grandmother. He has been studying and making egg connections for 12 years. He has been teaching/instructing people in this art for five years.
Busy “eggers” color and design their Celtic pysanky eggs. For many of the attendees this was their first attempt at the pysanky technique that requires heated layers of beeswax, dye, and a Kitska (wax tool) on a real chicken egg.
Celtic Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jayne Ann Recker welcomes guests for the psanky egg demonstration. Celtic heritage educational programs run throughout the year.
Pysanka and Celtic together! The shamrock is the traditional Celtic symbol of good luck and the artistic expression – art on the egg – is Ukrainian.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JENN RAGO A sampling of the beautiful pysanky eggs. The colors and symbols representing good luck and good fortune; strength, good health are some of the themes. More photos on page A2.
Lane Rundle and an un-colored egg. This egg has a sketch of a shamrock, drawn by Rundle, to help beginner artists with the project. They are encouraged to add their own border design.
Lane Rundle and a finished egg: The finished product. Each participant made their own egg and could take it home at the conclusion of this event.
