Appropriate age groups for this Easter celebration or activity:
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Description of Easter celebration or activity:
"Pysanky," or Ukrainian Easter eggs are a traditional craft in Ukraine, with a history of thousands of years. The symbols and colors used are rich in meaning; many pre-date the arrival of Christianity, and have had Christian interpretations layered on afterward.

Setting up and preparing for this celebration or activity:
The method is similar to batik. Patterns are drawn on the egg with wax, which then protects the covered areas from the dye that is applied. By repeating this process with different colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up. Finally, the wax is removed to reveal the colors that were covered up at each stage. The result is beautiful.

For more information and some great photos of Ukrainian Easter Eggs in their finished form, check out this Pysanky web site.

Other suggestions or comments:
This art requires the use of a candle flame. Please don't allow children to practice this art without adult supervision!