Ukrainian Egg Decorating Potluck Picnic – Spring Equinox Gathering
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Ukrainian Egg Decorating Picnic – Spring Equinox Gathering
Celebrate the turning of the season with us at a Ukrainian Egg Decorating Potluck Picnic in the beautiful setting of Tumwater Falls Park at the UPPER part.
While the Spring Equinox falls on March 20, we’ll gather the following day—Saturday the 21st—to enjoy the return of light, warmth, and spring. Maybe you want to set some intentions, or maybe you're just happy to be outside enjoying the weather... Hopefully better looking than the photo I found! Either way, it's a great excuse to get out and decorate an egg.
Ukrainian egg decorating, known as pysanky, is a traditional folk art many of us have seen before but probably aren’t experts in. Here's Google's quick version of what it symbolizes:
Pysanky symbolism often includes:
- Life & Nature – the sun, spring, and the bounty of the natural world
- Protection – traditionally placed in homes to guard against misfortune
- Fertility & Rebirth – representing renewal and good harvests
- Colors – white (purity), yellow (sun and youth), red (joy and life), black (earth)
- Patterns – geometric designs for eternity or the sun, plants and animals for nature, and sometimes Christian symbols like crosses or fish
We’ll be using wax, simple tools, and dyes. Some things will be provided, like blown eggs, but please bring:
🕯️ A beeswax candle – beeswax works best for creating the designs
🧷 A small metal tool to apply wax to the egg. Traditionally people use a kistka (a little hot-wax pen), but a pin, needle tool, or small metal stylus works too
🧺 A dish or snack to share for the potluck picnic (don’t stress too much about it—it just sounds nice, doesn’t it?)
🪑 A blanket or chair to keep yourself comfortable at the park
All skill levels are welcome and I'm certainly no expert. Like I said some basic supplies and guidance will be available but you're encouraged to bring your own kit if you have it, or your own egg(s).
This is a relaxed community gathering to celebrate the warmer weather coming up.
Additional activities could include the Tumwater Falls Trail Walk or a little light ghost hunt since the historic brewery is right down the way.. Have an EMF meter or any other equipment, bring it!