UKRAINIAN EASTER EGGS
IN SASKATOON UKRAINIAN MUSEUM OF CANADA

Story and photos by Barb & Ron Kroll

World Weather
World Maps

Pysanky. Dozens of intricately patterned, colorful and painstakingly hand-painted Easter eggs are lovingly displayed in Saskatoon Saskatchewan's Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

Pysanky, Ukrainian Easter eggs.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

Although Christianity resulted in adaptations of the designs, the eggs have always symbolized spring and rebirth. We see a pattern from the royal era, representing the female goddess who protected women. Other patterns depict the universe and pagan themes.

Some of the eggs are more than 100 years old, and were brought to Canada by early immigrants. Their story is one of struggle, triumph, quiet conviction and lively celebration.

It's a chapter in Canada's family album that the museum has told since its formation in 1936 by the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada (UWAC).

As the collection of items donated by the community grew and developed, the present building, a stylized version of a Ukrainian-Canadian pioneer house, was constructed to house the artifacts.

A visit to the museum begins in the gallery lounge, which houses art shows, temporary exhibits on textiles, handicrafts and culture.

Immigration from Ukraine to Canada

The main exhibition hall display begins with a brief history of the Ukraine where political conditions in the late 19th century, along with religious, cultural and educational persecution, set the stage for mass migration to Canada.

Early days on the prairies and the challenges faced by the settlers are depicted in the family life exhibit. We see a chest used to carry family belongings to Canada, hand-carved rakes and other tools, as well as a mortar and pestle used to grind nuts and poppy seeds.

There are also models of a farm house and a family dressed in typical pioneer fashion. The man wears a sheepskin coat made almost 100 years ago.

Ukrainian embroidery, costumes, carvings and musical instruments

The museum has a large collection of embroidery and weavings, such as kylymy (rugs), used both in the home and for ceremonial purposes. We note distinctive patterns and colors in the costumes, which identify the region in which they were made.

Ukrainian costumes. Ukrainian Museum of Canada. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

A large display of folk art features musical instruments, such as the bandura and tsymbaly, religious icons, ceramics and rizba, delicate wood carvings.

Amid the jewelry, a coral necklace catches our attention. During the revolution, these beads were buried in the Ukraine to protect them. After the owners moved to Canada, they donated the beads to the museum.

Ukrainian folk dancing and costumes.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

Easter bread

One of the most interesting exhibits is on paska, round rich Easter breads, adorned with elaborate dough ornaments. The main decoration is always in the shape of a cross, but it's supplemented by tiny birds and flowers. Paska, and other traditional Ukrainian foods, are taken to church on Easter Sunday to receive the blessing of the priest. Afterward, the family shares the food for Easter breakfast.

Besides the gallery, an important part of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada's work is the continuation and preservation of Ukrainian culture through a research centre, library and extension programs, including art shows, concerts, school and group tours, lectures, traveling exhibits and workshops.

How to make pysanky, paska and dough dolls

Workshops are offered on Christmas and Easter traditions, dough dolls, embroidery and baking festive breads. The most popular workshops are on Easter eggs.

Ukrainian folk dancing and costumes.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

Participants learn about the symbols and techniques. After marking the eggs in sections, they draw patterns and repeatedly paint on wax and dye the eggs to decorate their own pysanky.

The museum gift shop sells Ukrainian arts and crafts, cookbooks, videos, tapes and CDs of Ukrainian music. There are even patterns for Ukrainian costumes that are very popular with dance groups.

Also in demand, are books on how to decorate your own pysanky, as well as Easter egg supplies. For those without the time or patience, the museum offers a thoughtful concession to modern times: ready-made Easter eggs to go.

Visitors to Saskatoon, who are interested in Ukrainian culture, should also attend the annual May Vesna Festival. Known as the "world's largest Ukrainian cabaret," the two-day celebration showcases Ukrainian Canadian talent with traditional dances, music, foods, arts and crafts.

---

TRAVEL INFORMATION

More things to see and do in Saskatchewan:

RCMP Training Academy & New RCMP Heritage Centre

First Nations Archeological Site Wanuskewin is Older Than Pyramids

Saskatchewan Offers Parks, Museums, Theater and Golf

Ukrainian Museum of Canada: www.umc.sk.ca

---