The motifs represent various traits and attributes — many of the designs date well before the advent of Christianity.
However, when the new religion was introduced in the region there was reluctance to completely dismiss long-held traditions.
Pysanky, like so many other traditions was modified to complement the new religion. Many of the designs have roots in pagan beliefs but have been adapted to Christianity.
Acorns
The acorn represents growth and a healthy prosperous future
Baskets and nets
Baskets are common designs and can make an otherwise simple pysanka and intricately designed work of art. The basket represents the giving of life, as such it can be a symbol of motherhood or God.A closed shape filled with a criss-cross pattern identifies a basket design. If there is at least one side open, it is a net, which signifies the division of good and even or it can represent the Apostles as fishers of men.
bears paw
The symbol for masculine protection. It is most commonly drawn in black and red.
Butterflies
Butterflies represent the resurrection of Christ and a rebirth, new beginnings, or transition.
Cross
When Christianity began to spread, people were reluctant to abandon their pagan traditions but they found ways to incorporate them.The cross has become a symbl of Christianity, but in pagan practices it represented life, power, the sun-God and in some places sexual relationships.
Deer, stags
.Deer or stags on a pysanka represent prosperity as it relates to the qualities of leadership.
dots
Dots have multiple meanings, they can stand for stars in the sky tears, the tears of Mary mother of Jesus bold, red dots signify Christ's blood.In some regions the represent fate.
evergreens and pine needles
The evergreen and pine needles motifs stand for health, stamina and eternal youth.
Fish and waves
Fish are a symbol of Christ and dedication to high ideals. Water and waves represent wealth, good crops, an abundant yield and productivity in relation to agriculture.
Flowers
Flowers are a symbol of wisdom, elegance, beauty, humility, and all things feminine. Put the flowers in a flower pot or bouquet and it still represents the feminine attributes, but now it also stands for love, charity, and goodwill. Flowers in a wreath symbolize the cycle of life — rebirth and transitions to a new stage or place in life.
Hens feet
Hens feet represent a prayer of protection for the children. Spiders represent patience and tenacity.The spiderweb is a symbol of separating good and evil. It prevents evil from entering.
Ladder
The ladder represents searching, prayer and ascension to heaven. In some regions it represents good farming and an honest Christian life.
Oak leaves
Oak leaves symbolize strength, persistence, and the cycle of life.Spirals reflect the nature and essence of God and a deep adoration
Plants
Some plants represent specific traits. .A generic plant represents love, harvest, the future, beauty, and life.
spiders and spider webs
Spiders represent patience and tenacity. The spiderweb is a symbol of separating good and evil. It prevents evil from entering.
Spirals and rams horns
Spirals and rams horns reflect the nature and essence of God and a deep adoration.
star
Stars are one of the most popular pysanky designs, partially because of the numerous ways to draw it. The star represents eternal life and good fortune. It can also stand for life and God's love.
Sun
The book of Genesis states that the sun was the first of God's creations.On a pysanka it represents life and God's love.
trees
Trees a a symbol of eternal youth, god health, creation and renewal or transition.
triangles
Triangles are often drawn as means to create divisions on the pysanka to separate other designs.They do however, also hold a meaning. Triangle represent any trinity.It can by Father, Son, Holy Spirit earth, wind, fire three stages of man Heaven, Earth, Hell or any other trinity. A triangle with a dot or circle inside represents God's eye.
Wolves teeth, saw, double saw
The wolves teeth, saw and double saw motifs look similar but have very different meanings. Wolves Teeth: stands for loyalty, wisdom, and a firm grip. It is drawn as a series of triangles. Saw: represents life and heat. Like the wolves teeth it is drawn as a series of triangles. However, the difference is that the wolves teeth are larger and spread out more. The triangles for the saw are small and tight. Double saw: Two rows of saws , one above the other creates a double saw, which is a symbol of death. It can also represent resurrection.
