This pysanka (pysanka - singular) is divided into several triangles each with either a basket of vine/plant motif. It is handcrafted using a traditional wax and dye process on an empty goose egg.
The art of pysanky predates Christianity in Ukraine and the surrounding region. Villages and families would often have traditions, tips, and tricks they would pass down through the generations.
Also passed down are many legends and stories associated with pysanky. One of my favorites tells of a monster chained up high in the Ural Mountains. This monster controls good and evil in the world. Each year he sends his minions out into the world to see how many pysanky are being made. If there are many — his chains tighten, restricting the evil he can release. However, if there are few, his chains loosen.
The traditional designs and motifs found on pysanky all have different meanings. These are meant to be the desire and prayers for the person to which the pysanka is given.
The primary designs on this one are:
Triangle: Any trio — earth, wind, fire; Father, Son, Holy Ghost; three stages of life.
Plants: Love, harvest, beauty, life
Baskets: Motherhood, new life
Brown: The earth
Green: New life, nature
Stand is not included