The name Pisanki comes form the Polish verb pisac, "to write." The eggs are decorated with many traditional Polish symbols of Easter. Most popular are: the Lamb with Resurrection Banner (Baranek, symbolizing the Lamb of God from the Agnus Dei of the Catholic Mass), pussy willow (often used instead of palms in Poland), Cross (symbol of the Crucified Christ), or Easter greetings, such as Wesolego Alleluja or Alleluja. Different regions of Poland have also developed particular geometric and floral designs specific to those communities. Natural dyes, such as onion skins or beets, are often used to color eggs referred to as Kraszanki.

* View an assortment of Pisanki from Ann's collection
* See girls & women in a Polish village making Pisanki (Video)

(Video also shows Stork (Bocian) on chimney. These esteemed birds return in the spring during Lent; they are a Polish symbol of good luck.)

* See Step By Step Process for making Kraszanki (Natural Dye Eggs)
* View Pisanki artistry of Rev. Czeslaw M. Krysa
* Dla Dzieci / For Kids: Pisanki to Print & Color
* Wycinanki (Polish Paper Cutting) Egg

According to Polish folk craft expert, Rev. Krysa, the Polish Easter eggs fall into the following categories:

Pisanki -- "written" eggs; dyed with batik process
Kraszanki -- solid color eggs dyed with plant materials
Malowanki -- hand painted eggs
Drapanki -- solid color eggs with design scratched in surface
Wyklejanki -- eggs decorated with bull-rush pith & yarn
Nalepianki -- eggs with paper cut-outs or straw glued to them

External Links:
* Read Step-by-Step Directions for making Pisanki
* To see more, visit a display of antique Pisanki at Chicago's
    Polish Museum of America