Feature Article

Easter Eggs by Jean Jury

    One of BC's preeminent Ukrainian Easter egg artists, Jean Jury, conducted pysanky (Easter egg) workshops in Abbotsford, sponsored by the Fraser Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society (FVUCS), a non-profit organization.  Their mandate is to preserve and enhance Ukrainian culture as part of Canada's multicultural heritage.

    The intricate art work involved in the painting of the pysanky has, for centuries, been associated with Ukrainian artistry. "Archaeological excavations in Ukraine reveal that this art form has been in practice for thousands of years, long before the Christian era arrived," explained Gord Yakimow, president of the Fraser Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society.  "Pysanky were associated with mythical beliefs and talismanic powers.  According to folklore a pysanka could avert evil, bring a successful harvest, deliver to a young maiden the handsome man of her dreams."

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    "The increasingly sophisticated and complex designs of today's pysanky combine both Christian themes (Christianity came to Ukraine in the 10th century) and concepts from nature: the beauty and bounty of the land, the prosperity offered by animals, the circles and spirals suggesting immortality and infinity," added Jean Jury, a charter member of the FVUCS.

    By tradition, Ukrainians break the long fast of lent by having a meal which has been blessed at the Easter morning church service.  The basket of food – and each family strives to have the most impressive basket – is decorated with embroidered linens, and contains (among other foods) special Easter breads known as paska and babka and several pysanky.  (The pysanky are for decorative purposes only, and are not eaten.)