Symbolism

 
 

Hand drawn examples of eternity lines and other symbols are provided, along with diasporan interpretation of their meanings.  The ruzha here is said to be a symbol of the sun god Atar, which means this booklet used Yara Surmach’s work either directly or indirectly as a source.  There was no Slavic god with that name; Atar was a Persian god of fire.  Although there were Persian influences on early Slavic culture, the Slavs had their own pantheon and Atar was not a part of it.  The god of the Sun in Slavic mythology was Dazhboh.

One of the symbols described in great depth on page 16 is wheat; while what is said about Ukraine is true (breadbasket of Europe, etc.) the simple fact remains that this is not a symbol found on traditional folk pysanky.  It is a motif very popular in the diaspora, where it is frequently seen adorning modern pysanky.












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