The Tradition of Pisanski Eggs

We all know about the American tradition of Easter eggs – the three dimensional ovals that come in many varieties, from jelly beans to hard boiled.  They’re no match, however, for Pisanski eggs.  These eggs – that you would never dream of eating – are beautifully decorated using beeswax and vibrant (yet non-edible) dyes.  A tradition from eastern Poland and Ukraine, rich in history, Pisanski eggs are usually decorated with intricate patterns, and are made using hollowed out eggs!

The word Pisanski comes from the Polish verb “pisac,” meaning to write  – an accurate description of the process! Check out this simple tutorial on making pisanki- wax and dye decorated Easter eggs from polandisawesome.blogspot.com:

Easter is coming – it’s on March 31st this year!  Introduce a new tradition to your family while exploring the customs of another culture.  Instead of plastic candy-filled eggs, make your own Pisanski eggs.  Your beautiful eggs will become beloved family treasures.  Families hoping to find help in learning to make Pisanski are in luck!  Check out these Western MA classes and workshops taking place before Easter Sunday:

• Hampden County: On Saturday, March 2nd the Wistariahurst Museum hosts a hands-on demonstration of making pisanki with local artist Carol Kostecki.  Ages 12+, registration required.  413-322-5660.  Holyoke, MA.  ($$)

• Franklin County: The Deerfield Spring Sampler, held at the Eastern States Exposition, will offer Ukrainian Egg Workshops on Sunday, March 9th at 12noon. 413-774-7476.  West Springfield, MA.  ($)

• Berkshire County: Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Museum will offer two workshops, taught by Tjasa Sprague.  Classes will take place at 10am and another at 12:30pm on Saturday, March 23rd, with lots of demonstration.  413-637-3206.  Lenox, MA.  ($$)

• Hampshire County: Marion Abrams will be leading two Family Batik Ukrainian Egg Workshops.  The first one take place on Saturday March 16th from 12noon-2pm at the Whately Library (FREE) and on Saturday, March 23rd from 1-3pm at the Forbes Library (>$) in Northampton. Marion will teach basic skills for beautiful traditional Ukrainian Pysanky. Children ages 8yo+ are welcomed. For info contact Marion at 413-247-9807. Whately, MA & Northampton, MA. (Free/>$)