Visual artist Ruta Staseviciute has been working with the Ukrainian Children’s Choir, in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, to decorate an egg as part of the Pysanka Egg Display.
Father Taras Khomych, from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, said: “The families came up with the name Peaceanka as a clever wordplay on the English word ‘peace’ and the Ukrainian word ‘pysanka’. Combining the two words, this original title expresses the unique character of Eurovision 2023, organised by the UK on behalf of Ukraine. Moreover, it captures the hopes of millions for peace in Ukraine and around the world. Easter is the celebration of new life and new hope, which are symbolically represented in our Peaceanka.”
Ruta said: “Being from Lithuania, I grew up using the traditional techniques of Pysanka so I was delighted to be able to help the Ukrainian community bring their ideas to life.
“I used the traditional colours of Ukraine: black, white, red and yellow, which each has a meaning. Black represents the sorrow the country is currently experiencing; white signifies purity, light and birth; red symbolises happiness, hope and passion; and yellow represents harvest, endurance and strength.
“The pictures that represent what the families love and miss most about Ukraine from wheat and sunflowers to their pets and homes they left.
“The families were really excited to be involved and to be represented with their own egg. There was a lovely community spirit and the children loved learning about the styrofoam printing.”
Mykhailyma Kukharchuk, who coordinated the workshops on behalf of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, added: “Easter is a magical time in Ukraine so the children and their parents were really excited to be involved in this project. “For families who have been displaced from their homes, getting involved in a traditional activity has helped create a sense of security and made them feel a connection with back home, reducing anxiety.”
