Traditions around the Easter holiday usually derive from some religious attribute. For many, dyeing Easter eggs is a cultural tradition. In the Ukrainian culture, decorating Easter eggs is known as the art of pysanky. For Tammy Budnovitch, it’s a little bit of both.
Budnovitch is a Peckville native and member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Olyphant. She lives in Lake Ariel, but travels all over to teach the art of pysanky.
“I hold classes all over Northeast Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and parts of New Jersey,” Budnovitch said.
Budnovitch also sells unique jewelry and mosaic pieces. “When an egg breaks, I use parts of the shell to create mosaic pieces or jewelry,” Budnovitch said.
She learned the art of pysanky from her mother and grandmothers. Both of her grandmothers partook in the Ukrainian tradition and it was passed down from her family, who immigrated from western Ukraine.
Budnovitch, who has been teaching since 2011 when she was asked to instruct the technique of pysanky to her local church group, decided to pass on the tradition elsewhere.
“It’s important for others, especially the youth, to learn these traditions that they can they pass down through generations,” Budnovitch said. “I learned the art at such a young age and enjoyed creating the eggs year after year.”
For this year’s Easter pysanky classes, Tammy Budnovitch decided to draw a chicken pattern on the egg. (Courtesy of Tammy Budnovitch)
Pysanky is considered an art form. “There are artists all over the world who keep the tradition alive,” Budnovitch said.
Pysaty is the Ukrainian verb for “to write.”
“We write on the eggs with a tool called a kistka,” said Budnovitch, explaining the process. “The eggs are blown out, cleaned and dried. We then draw on them with the kistka using beeswax. The eggs are then dipped in non-edible dye (which creates a stronger, more vibrant look) and the wax is removed, showing off a unique design.”
Budnovitch is enthusiastic when someone who has never seen or done the process becomes a returning enthusiast themselves.
“We usually create the eggs around Easter and Christmas. People start coming back to the classes and look forward to creating a different design every time,” she said.
Budnovitch gets her inspiration for designs from other artists, books and Ukrainian art. Sometimes, she will think of something that has a symbolic significance for the holiday or time of year.
“My favorite designs are star patterns. The more traditional Ukrainian look is of intricate design,” Budnovitch said.
Tammy Budnovitch, a Peckville native and Lake Ariel resident, teaches pysanky classes all over Northeast Pennsylvania and beyond. (Courtesy of Tammy Budnovitch)
Her classes are done for the Easter season. However, those interested in learning can call Budnovitch at 570-766-1919 or reach out on Facebook, and she can book classes for them. The classes usually take around two hours so she can give people enough time to create their works of art.
This year, she decided to draw a chicken pattern on the egg. Everyone’s egg was unique because it was how they drew the chicken or the colors they chose.
“Most people get creative and like to add their own designs,” Budnovitch said.
The history of pysanky dates back to the early times of ancient pre-Christians. The eggs were a sign of fertility, rebirth and renewal and were given out during springtime. When the Ukrainian people would exchange the eggs around Easter time, they were very popular as gifts among neighbors.
With Ukrainian immigrants coming over to the United States in the early 1900s, pysanky grew in popularity and gained a strong following in the United States, Canada and all over the world.
Budnovitch feels passionate about passing on the traditions to people of all ages.
“I hope that everyone can create new traditions and learn the art of pysanky from any culture. Anyone can join in and enjoy it, from little kids to those 90 years old and up,” Budnovitch said. “I want everyone to share in the joy of pysanky art.”
To sign up for a class or purchase her jewelry and art, call or visit Budnovitch’s Facebook page at facebook.com/PysankyByTammy.
More info
For more information about pysanky instructor Tammy Budnovitch’s classes or to purchase her jewelry and art, call 570-766-1919 or visit her Facebook page, facebook.com/PysankyByTammy.