2010:365:201 Christ is Risen!

"Look but don't touch" - another entry into the 365Project theme for this week.  This egg also has a place in the china cabinet!

The contents are blown out through the tiny hole that you can see and then the writing begins.

Pysanky is a term that I learned today from one of those who commented on the 365Project submission.  To find out more about this Ukrainian art form all you have to do is 'Google' Pysanky and a number of useful sites appear.   

This is quite amazing - it is a normal egg, just the usual size and yet there's a huge amount of intricate detail on it. 

I'v had it for almost ten years and since then it has travelled from rectory to rectory with me - special because it was a gift but also because of the unknown person who celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ in such an amazing way. 

Christos voskrese

That's the transliteration of two of the panels;  and it translates Christ is Risen.

There is much symbolism attached to the designs.
The pine needles (on the top left in yellow and orange here) = health, stamina, eternal youth.
The sun and stars (front facing with eight points) = life, fortune, growth.
The cross = Christ, the four corners of the world.
The nets (at the four corners of the sun) = Christ's command to be 'fishers of people'.
The zig zag = fire, loyalty, wisdom (also known as Wolves' Teeth).

Pysanky are spiritual objects ('written' not 'painted') like icons.  They are produced in an atmosphere of deep spirituality and in the context of prayer and song.  The women make them after the children have gone to bed.

You can understand why I like this little egg so much!

Almighty God,
through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
you have overcome death
and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
Grant that, as by your grace going before us
you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen Lord
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.  Amen. 

Book of Common Prayer

Collect of Easter Day