Ostara Egg Symbolism

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

Circles: Protection, everlasting life, continuity, 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 Ukranian 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 represent 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, 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. Below are some agricultural symbols.
Sieves: Seperating 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, eternal life.
Leaves: Immortality, eternal or pure love, strength, 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, immortality. Waves for wealth, rain. Lines and ribbons for
the thread of life or eternity.

Animal:

An almost endless range of possibilities!

Stags: Leadership, victory, joy, masculinity.
Horses: Wealth, prosperity, endurance, speed and the motion of the Sun.
Rams: Leadership, strength, dignity, perseverance. Ram's horns symbolize strong leadership, dignity, and perseverance.
Horns: Mobility, wisdom, triumph over problems, and implies manhood and
leadership.
Bear paws: A guardian spirit, bravery, wisdom, strength, 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, regeneration.

Color Symbolism in Ukranian Eggs

White: Purity, birth, virginity, and ignorance. Historically, a young child would recieve eggs with lots of white.
Yellow: Youth, light, purity, happiness, and wisdom.
Red: The most widely used color, for passion, love, enthusiasm.
Orange: Endurance, strength, power.
Green: Renewal, freshness, hope, victory of life over death.
Brown: Earth.
Blue: Sky, good health derived from air.
Purple: Patience, trust, power.
Black: Remembrance, eternity, constancy, death. A black and white combination
indicates protection from evil and respect for the dead. Black with red connotes
ignorance arising from passion.

Yet More Symbology

Of course, you can also use symbols from other traditions, or symbols that have meaning for you. You can use symbols that have meaning in the Wiccan tradition. Pentacles for the elements or earth, the divine, humanity. Cauldrons for rebirth and wisdom. Cups to represent Water: emotion, healing, adaptability. Swords for Air: clear thought, intellect, learning. The possibilities are endless.

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