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
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.