The Sun and Stars
symbolize life, fortune, growth.

Ribbons
symbolize everlasting life, and water.

TRIPLE BARRED CROSS
Two versions of the three barred cross appear on
pysanky. One has the lower bar slanting, while the other has the lower bar placed in a horizontal position. The upper horizontal arm (bar) represents the place of the inscription over the head of the crucified Jesus. The lower slanting arm (bar) represents His footrest, since the Eastern Catholic Church believes Jesus was crucified with his feet side by side and not crossed one over the other as usually pictured by the Western Church.

SUN MOTIF
The Sun motif is the oldest used by man in decorating ornaments and Easter eggs. This motif, or thematic representation, was used also for decorating eggs for other purposes. From time immemorial, man believed in the mysterious power of the sun and until the coming of Christianity he worshipped it as a deity. The sun is a source of light and the symbol of power.

STAR MOTIF
Through the centuries, the stars have been found on pysanky. Before beginning their daily work in the fields, the early Rusyns first looked to the stars for assistance.  It was believed by the ancients that each new birth a new star appeared in the sky and then disappeared when death of the individual occurred. There was also a superstition that if a star shone brightly at a person's birth he would live a long
life.  In most instances, the star motifs were usually applied to the "tops" and "bottoms of the eggs and only on rare occasions to the oval parts of the eggs.

WATER MOTIF
Water is very essential to the existence of human life and to the growth and progress of all peoples. Without water there cannot be
any life. That is why people have always settled near sources of water such as streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. The Water motif has become an important part Ukrainian folk art. It is represented by two or three parallel wavy lines or strokes. The holy water which is a symbol of purity has been used to bless churches, homes, newlyweds and for treatment of illnesses.

TREE MOTIF
Ancient peoples knew that the sun and stars were very far away, and the nearby trees were much closer to them, thus, a close relationship was developed between the trees and the people. The trees were considered to have human qualities and characteristics.  The sap which flowed from an injured tree was likened to blood. People believed
that the Linden tree, which they highly regarded and venerated, had medical-healing abilities. They applied the physical characteristics of the oak tree to a young healthy man, using the expression: "Strong as an oak tree".

FLOWER MOTIF
Flowers, as we all know or have experienced, bring a touch of happiness and joy to their recipients either celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions or if they are sick and disabled. Any one or more of the following were used as flower motifs: grasses,
clover, branches, hollyhocks, spikes, guelder-rose, gentian, berries, rosemary, flax, hemp, violet, grapes, red rose.

SWALLOW MOTIF
Here in America we annually hear or read about the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano at the beginning of Spring. The swallow has always been regarded as a harbinger of spring. It was considered a sin to kill a swallow, the symbol of Spring, abundant harvest and happiness. People also believed that a house without a swallow is considered an unlucky abode.

BEE MOTIF
Beekeeping is one of the oldest occupations.  For manycenturies the bees have been held in such high esteem by the people who firmly believed that the bees should not be killed under any circumstances. Bees and honey have been used in folk medicine for many centuries to heal various illnesses.

SHEAF MOTIF
The Sheaf symbolizes fertility, an abundant harvest, and a hope for a huge supply of bread in the New Year. During New Year festivities and at family gatherings such as christenings, wedding dinners and anniversary celebrations the place of honor is reserved for the best sheaf in the center of the able.

FISH MOTIF
Despite its present Christian symbolic meaning, the Fish motif made its appearance long before the coming of Christianity. The appearance of the Fish motif is not exclusively of a religious origin.
The fish symbol signifies fishing in the pursuit of food.

SPIDER MOTIF
Spiders, like the bees, were held in high esteem. Some people claimed spiders were under the protection of the Blessed Virgin and therefore they should not be killed. For centuries spiders were considered to be lucky omens, to be weather forecasters, and to have healing value in their folk medicine.

CIRCLE MOTIF
The Circle, also called the "Magic Circle", was believed to have magical meanings.  Peasants used to make circles of twigs plaited to resemble a chain. Circles were drawn with ashes or sand, marked with water, and painted with whitewash, charcoal or chalk on stable doors. Poles or stakes were planted into the ground in a circle. In all  these practices, the purpose of the circle was to protect man and property from evil.  Most frequent use of the circle was made in the fields where animals grazed and harvests were reaped. It was used during a storm against lightning.