Ostara Egg Symbolism

There are many fine books that describe the symbolism on Ukrainian pysanky, not to mention the rich symbolism within Wiccan and other Pagan traditions. Below are some traditional symbols used on Ukrainian eggs, and you may notice that many of these symbols have universal meanings throughout the world.

- Circles: Protection, everlasting life, continuity, and completeness. The Sun, and cycles of life.

- Triangles: The elements of air, fire and water. Or just fire. The Trinity. Sun, Moon, and Stars.

- Suns: The life giving, all embracing nature of God, especially as the Sun is seen as the God. Fire and warmth, enchantment, prosperity, good fortune. It is the most ancient and significant symbol, appearing on almost every Ukrainian egg, from a small circle or dot to an elaborate many-rayed affair.

- Tripods: Man, Woman, and Child. Birth, Life and Death.

- Stars and Roses: Popular symbols for purity, life, giver of light, the eye of God, the God's love for humanity. Also success, knowledge, beauty, elegance, and perfection.

- Dots: Usually represents stars or the Tears of Mary. Also can be the Sun.

- Curls: Protection.

- Spirals: Mystery of life and death, divinity and immortality.

- Crosses: These are usually equal-armed crosses, though not always. Represents the four directions, the four ages of man, the four elements, and rebirth and eternal life.

Agricultural: Popular on traditional pysanky, these were important to a society that depended on the fruit of the fields. Also, krashanky had these symbols and were buried in the fields to ensure fertility.

- Sieves: Separating good from evil.

- Nets and baskets: Containing knowledge, motherhood, giving life and gifts.

- Ladders: Searching, rising above the petty, ascending to heaven.

- Combs: Putting things in order.

- Rakes: Successful harvest.

- Plants: Rebirth and nature. Very popular symbols.

- Trees: Strength, renewal, creation, organic unity, growth, and eternal life.

- Leaves: Immortality, eternal or pure love, strength, and persistence.

- Flowers: Beauty, children, female principles of wisdom and elegance.

- Fruit: Continuity, good fellowship, strong and loyal love, love of the Divine.

- Sunflowers: Motherhood, life, love of the Divine.

- Wheat: Bountiful harvest.

- Eternity Bands: Dividing elements on the eggs such as meanders for harmony, motion, infinity, and immortality.

- Waves for wealth, rain.

- Lines and ribbons for the thread of life or eternity.

- Animal:

- Stags: Leadership, victory, joy, masculinity.

- Horses: Wealth, prosperity, endurance, speed and the motion of the Sun.

- Rams: Leadership, strength, dignity, and perseverance. Ram's horns symbolize strong leadership, dignity, and perseverance.

- Horns: Mobility, wisdom, triumphs over problems, and implies manhood and leadership.

- Bear paws: A guardian spirit, bravery, wisdom, strength, and endurance, the coming of spring.

- Birds: All kinds, are messengers of the Sun and heavens, pushing away evil, fertility, fulfillment of wishes, good harvest.

- Bird Parts: (eyes, feet, beaks, combs, feathers) carry the same meaning as entire birds.

- Roosters: Good fortune, masculinity, coming of the dawn.

- Hens: Fertility. Hen feet offer protection for the young, and guidance.

- Goose feet: Symbols of soul or spirit.

- Butterflies: Ascent of the soul, pleasure and frivolity of childhood.

- Spiders: Patience, artistry, industry, healing and good fortune.

- Fish: Abundance, sacrifice, and regeneration.