Surprised by Beauty: The Art of Welcoming New Life

Anne Lawrence, Ph.D.
Apr 25
2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

This month, I participated in a workshop on Ukranian pysanky, or decorative egg writing, offered by art historian Johanna Zenobia Krynytzky. The complex process begins with a hollow shell, evoking Christ’s empty tomb. Onto this blank surface, we sketch symbolic designs of new life. The first is a circle that descends from the top of the egg to the base, then ascends back again to the crown. This cycle of incarnation, death, and resurrection is the reference point for all the other images.

When the design is complete, we hold the metal funnel of the kistka, a pen-like tool, in a candle flame until it is hot enough to melt beeswax, the “ink” for egg writing. As we trace the kistka over our drawings, black wax covers the shapes that we hope will appear bright white on the final pysanky.

Next, we immerse the egg in its first traditional layer of dye, yellow. All the shapes that will shine with golden light are then shrouded with black wax, and the egg is plunged into blood red dye. The scarlet figures are, in turn, buried in black wax, and the egg receives its final shade, sinking into the total darkness of black dye. Through these layers of ever-deepening color, the egg—and with it, all creation—is purified and transformed in a symbolic refiner’s fire.

When the egg emerges from the void of the last dye, it is utterly black. With great tenderness, we cradle the newborn creation in a towel, then carefully warm it with the candle flame. Melted wax streams from the egg like black tears. We gently wipe away the darkness, revealing the Light. Then we weep with joy!

Welcoming the Beauty of New Life:

A Journaling Practice for Nurturing Your Light

Each day, welcome a sign of new life.
Breathe in this beauty.
Breathe out a blessing.
In your journal, note your beautiful experiences of new life.
You may wish to add drawings, photos, and other artwork.
At the end of the month, reread your entries.
Breathe in this beauty.
Breathe out a blessing.

Please consider making a donation to the Ukranian Red Cross.