Pysanky Egg Decorating and More!
- Gordon Ellison
- Apr 10, 2025
- 4 min read
As we approach Easter, it is a time when I can't help but think about Easter egg hunts. While I can recall having the hunts at church and at my grandparent's as a child. As I've aged and am transparent, my wife and I think that plastic is one of the worst things that mankind has ever created. Not to say that I don't think it has it's place, but I can literally look around at any environment other than outside, and I'm surrounded by it. The keys in which I am typing...plastic, the dash board in my vehicle...plastic, the appliances in the kitchen...plastic, the power tools I build with...shelled in plastic, and let's not ignore the many single use plastic bottles in which beverages are consumed...all plastic! We are literally surrounded by it. We've polluted our environment to the point that recent studies have shown that we are now carrying micro-plastics within our own bodies. Thinking on this reminded me of a neat altertantive Elizabeth and I were introduced to.
A year or so ago, we went on a weekend retreat. Part of that retreat was some time that we got "crafty" where we each got to participate in "Pysanky Egg Writing". Mr. Steve Saxe is very knowledgeable in all things "pysanky" and many other things. I have always enjoyed our conversations and I'm thankful he is a member of Embrace Farm. This excerpt will explain the art of pysanky decorating better than I can.
"In the Orthodox Christian tradition, you have a gorgeous egg painting technique that has been passed down through generations of Central and Eastern European families, dating back to pagan times: pysanky eggs! Ukrainian pysanky eggs are decorated using a wax-resist method, resulting in unique Easter egg designs that are deeply symbolic and meaningful. Making pysanky eggs is a labor of love that requires patience, attention to detail, and a steady hand. It's a beautiful and rewarding craft that all ages can enjoy."
As I thought about this event coming up this weekend where Mr. Saxe invites people to learn and participate in this old tradition as we reflect on all that Easter means, I thought about not just what it means to me personally, but also what it means to the many that will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The hope of becoming a new creation by believing in Him and professing Him as Lord of our lives. That subject in itself is worthy of a much longer and more in depth conversation, but the thought that I had while driving, was one that may surprise you. It is not a popular thought, but one of conviction. One that has been birthed in me by acknowledging that every physical need that we have, has been met by God through creation. Our spiritual needs are met by the belief in Christ, acknowledging and adhering to His teachings.
Following His teachings leads us to the Apostle Paul's writings in Romans 1:20-21
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.
Those are the verses that came to mind when I thought about being part of a church about a decade or so ago when they dropped an enormous amount of plastic eggs from a helicopter, in celebration of Easter. I question this now, whereas then, I just went along with it and didn't have any convictions about it. In retrospect, my heart may have been darkened by thinking that I'm part of something that is reaching people...but at the cost of misusing church funds, that should be stewarded with the utmost conscientiousness, purchasing a mass amount of single use plastics, and celebrating in such a way that dishonors God and pollutes His creation that reveals His invisible attributes.
I know that may be a lot for some, or maybe you will even find fault with me and say "He's a whackadoo", either way that, is the conviction upon my heart and I feel like it aligns with the heart I should have towards stewarding God's creation. That lead me to think of an alternative.
All that being said, we will be decorating real eggs, produced by God's creatures this Saturday from 12 noon till 5 pm at
St. John of The Ladder Orthodox Church Hall
213 Roper Mountain Rd Extension, Greenville, SC 29615
These are real eggs, that need to be at room temperature before painting (if you bring your own). Once you finish your egg(s) you can seal them and blow out the insides so that you can keep them for this Easter and many more to come. I thought of it being a great way to spend time together as a family and maybe even introduce people to a new tradition, where you can spend time together and teach your kids the wonders of the real reason we celebrate Easter.
If you would like to attend and participate, please text me so I can let Mr. Saxe know how many to expect.
Farm News
We've only got 8 whole chickens left!
Let me know if you want one or two!
Due to the increased demand and many producers buying all they can, we won't have more until Novemeber!
We moved 24 more laying chickens in with our current layers. They are due to start producing in mid June to July. We did this prior to the hike in egg prices to keep up with our own growing demand.
Due to requests for Holiday Heritage Breed Turkeys, we are taking deposits. We are currently working on hatching these and yes, it takes that long to grow the Heritage Turkeys. These are from our own stock and I must say, they taste great!!
Places to visit and pick-up orders are the farm and the markets listed below.
Polk County Winter's Market. (LAST ONE OF THE SEASON)
April 19th 10am-1pm
Iron Key Brewery (behind)
135 Locust St. Columbus, NC 28722
Columbus Farmers Market
May- October
Saturdays 8am-12
Courthouse St. Columbus, NC 28722
Saluda Tailgate Market
May- October
Fridays 4pm-6pm
214 East Main St. Saluda, NC 28773
As always, we thank you for considering us as a local qualified supplier for organic, pastured poultry and stewards of what God provides,
Gordon and Elizabeth
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