What is a pysanka? 

Simply put, it is an Easter egg decorated using a wax resist method. Its name derives from the Ukrainian verb “pysaty,” meaning “to write.” (“Pysanka” is the singular form; “pysanky” is plural.)

But it is much more than that. Ukrainians have been decorating eggs, creating these small jewels, for many generations. There is a ritualistic element involved, magical thinking, a calling out to the gods and goddesses for health, fertility, love, and wealth. There is a yearning for eternity, for the sun and stars, for whatever gods that may be.

There is also a legend I found recently, which I personally hear for the first time.

But I like the symbolism of it :)  Here it is:

Legend of the Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter Egg)

A mong Ukrainians there is a belief that the fate of the world depends upon pysanky. As long as egg decorating continues, the world will exist. should the custom cease, evil in the guise of an ancient, vicious monster chained to a huge cliff, will encompass the world and destroy it. Each year the monster's servants encircle the globe, keeping a record of the number of pysanky made. Should there be too few, the monster's chains loosen, and evil flows through the world. If there are many, the monster's chains hold taut, allowing love to conquer evil.

To learn more go to :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pysanka

AND HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE! <3