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Many modern religious traditions actually began as pagan customs which were incorporated into Christianity. Pagan celebrations of spring, for instance, often involved eggs as the symbol of birth and life. Dyeing or painting the eggs different colors added meaning to the celebration. In the Ukraine an elaborate tradition of painting complex designs of eggs using a combination of wax and dye in multiple layers was developed centuries ago. "Pysanky" as it is called, is a highly developed craft that produces art eggs that make wonderful keepsakes.

Creating these eggs requires some skill in developing and drawing designs; patience in working the multiple layers and lots of time to complete the all the procedures. For those who enjoy artistic endeavors, however, it is a labor of love.

1. To start, use raw eggs without any blemishes, bumps or cracks. Let them warm to room temperature. Clean the eggs with diluted vinegar and dab them dry.
2. While you are waiting on your eggs to warm up, prepare your dyes for use, set up the bees wax for heating and arrange your kistkas.
3. Draw your design on the egg with a pencil. Use light strokes. Use a wide rubber band around the egg to help draw straight lines. Do not use the eraser on the egg if mistakes are made.
4. Now you are ready to use the kistka-a stylus-to begin to apply heated beeswax to the egg. There are graduated kistkas; fine points for fine lines, thicker points for heavier lines, etc. Use an appropriate point for the lines you want. Cover all the lines you have penciled on, then dip the egg in the lightest color of the pre-prepared dyes. Let the egg remain in the dye for about 15 minutes, remove it with a spoon and dab dry with tissues.
5. Using the kistka draw a design on the now-colored egg. Where ever the wax is, the dye will not adhere. Once the added design is completed, place the egg in the next color of dye and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Dab dry.
6. Repeat steps three and four progressing from the lightest to the darkest colors until you have gone through all the desired colors.
7. Once all the colors have been added, hold the dried egg next to (not over) a candle flame, or under a hair dryer until the wax looks wet, and wipe the wax off with a clean tissue. Do this over the whole egg.
8. Let the egg dry.
9. If desired, apply a glossy finish such as a clear varnish, varathane or shellac.
10. It is suggested that the egg should be drained or blown at this point. Use an egg-blowing device or a syringe. Then set the egg on a drying rack and allow to finish draining and drying.
11. Enjoy your completed work of art! These eggs may be displayed singly or in a group. They make wonderful Easter gifts. They may also be used as Christmas tree ornaments.

Experience and practice, of course, will increase your skill at this craft. Some people prefer to make their own dyes, but dye kits can be purchased at craft stores and on line along with kitskas, beeswax and other needs.

Sources of information: LearnPysanky.com; ehow.com/how_15889_make-ukrain ian-easter.html

Learn more about this author, Martha Leonard.
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