London Ont. man embraces Ukrainian tradition of 'Pysanky' as a symbol of hope
The Ukrainian culture has deep roots and traditions. One of which is an art form that dates back thousands of years, decorating eggs to ward off evil.
London Ont. man, Michael Drul is dedicating his spare time to this hobby and hopes others will embrace it too.
“This one is a pattern that I developed on my own, and it is of the Ukrainian national coat of arms called the Tryzub”, says Drul as he holds a beautifully decorated egg in hand.
Drul has been ‘writing eggs’ as it’s referred to in Ukraine, since he was five, a tradition passed on by his ancestors.
When Ukraine recently was invaded by Russia, Drul wanted to do something to show his devotion to his culture.Michael Drul, second generation Ukrainian-Canadian, decorating Pysanky Eggs as seen on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. (Reta Ismail / CTV News)“It’s my connection that makes me feel that I’m doing something that is important,” said Drul.
So he began decorating Pysanky eggs again, each one with an intricate hand-drawn design with different styles, patterns and colour schemes, all with a special meaning.
“These are called Dubrovytsia – which are oak leaves. And oak leaves represent strength. And I thought we need a lot of strength right now,” said Drul, holding another chicken egg, with a special design.
Eggs are historically thought as good luck in the Ukrainian culture, something the Drul hopes the country will have to be able to survive the Russian invasion.
“The story goes that evil in the world is maintained and chained in the middle by a monster. And Pysanky, if they are made, will tighten the chain and bind it, but if they are not made, the evil will be released into the world,” explained Drul.Michael Drul, second generation Ukrainian-Canadian, decorating Pysanky Eggs as seen on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. (Reta Ismail / CTV News)He hopes these eggs will help thwart off evil – or at the very least, be a symbol of hope for the country of Ukraine.
The fourth grade teacher says it takes him roughly three hours to write six chicken eggs, and up to a collective 24 hours to complete one of the larger ostrich eggs.
He has taught his own children and his students the art form in effort to continue the expression of his culture for years to come.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.