Pysanky, Ukrainian Easter eggs, became popular all over the world because of their exquisite beauty. The original designs, motifs and symbols echo those of other folk art forms. Virtuosity was judged through accuracy, perfection of delicate designs, and brilliance of colors. The oldest designs are ideograms with the principal theme of the sun represented symbolically by a tripod, a rose, and stars in various patterns. With Christianity came crosses, miniature churches and biblical symbols in combination with decorative geometric patterns. The pysanka had a ritual significance. It was believed to possess magic powers. It protected from evil, thunder or fire. It was proof of friendship and devotion and had healing powers.

Just one of the over 300 pysanky on display at the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago. This particular pysanka was written in 1948 to celebrate the end of World War II and the hope for peace in Europe..

The pysanky collection at the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago is located in the Folk Arts Exhibit on the first floor and boasts a collection of over 400 pysanky, including over 150 pysanky from the collection of Vera Samycia and Justyna Nahorniak; 300 from the Borys Sawyn collection which was created in celebration of the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine in 1988, exhibited in Washington D.C. and a portion of which presented as a gift to Mrs. Barbara Bush; and 1 very special pysanka that is over 100 years old. Visitors from around the world have sought out this very colorful and unique collection of pysanky — it does not disappoint.