The Beauty of Pysanka

The following is part of an artist’s statement at a display in Lethbridge. “Legend has it that a monster, the embodiment of evil, lives beneath the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. Once a year, the monster sends its henchmen to earth to see how many pysanka were made. If they didn’t make enough they would return to loosen the chains, unleashing evil upon the world. However, if they did make enough, the chains would be tightened, protecting the world and its inhabitants from harm.  Pysanka (singular) and pysanky (plural), derived from the Ukrainian verb pysaty meaning “to write”, are traditional wax-resist dyed eggs. Originally created by Slavic peoples during Pagan times to celebrate the sun and the rebirth of spring,  pysanky were believed to hold magical powers, offering protection and good fortune to the recipient. With the rise of Christianity, they became part of Ukrainian Easter traditions, featuring intricate designs. Soviet religious suppression in the 20th century led to the decline of pysanka making, the destruction of collections, and the loss of generational knowledge. Despite this, Ukrainian artists in Ukraine and the diaspora persevered. Since the 2022 Russian invasion, pysanky have come to symbolize peace and solidarity, and in December of 2024, UNESCO recognized pysanky as part of the intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, emphasizing their cultural significance and enduring resilience.  

I discovered this artist’s stunning display of pysanky at the CASA Community Arts Center, a spectacular 42, 000 square foot facility in Lethbridge. The pysanky were done by artist Morgan Jayne Tunow and was entitled simply “To Write”.  Morgan is a third-generation Canadian from Lethbridge who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Lethbridge.  Tunow says that since 2022 pysanky writing has become a way for her to show solidarity with Ukrainians and process her own family’s challenges.  

The display is a collection of over 500 pysanky and is a modern take on this ancient tradition.  Her statement says, “it celebrates life, community, kinship, and culture— the goodness of humanity and the need for darkness to see the light.  Each egg reflects my personal gratitude and positive intent for the world and people around me.” Her work is an invitation for viewers “honour the wisdom of those who came before us, aspiring for a prosperous and peaceful future for all.”