2020-02-11 Tue

Canada is set to welcome spring with a colorful and unique Easter egg-shaped Pysanka coin which also gives tribute to Ukrainian-Canadian culture.

A pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using a wax-resist method. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, "to write" or "to inscribe", as the designs are not painted on, but written (inscribed) with beeswax. This pysanka coin features traditional Ukrainian art motifs and geometric patterns that represent a celebration of life. The color-over-engraved art is an original design that is a beautiful example of the highly detailed, centuries- old art of pysanky.

Designed by Canadian artist Dave Melnychuk, the pysanka features a main band (bezkonechnyk) that deals with matters of the eternal. The eight-pointed roses represent the heart and a heightened state of awareness, while the stars represent the illuminating powers of the sun. Two neighboring bands feature plant-inspired symbols and the seeds that make rejuvenation and rebirth possible. The waves along the outer edges are the water-based symbols of fluidity.

The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt along with the denomination of 20 dollars at the top

Image Courtesy: https://thecoinshoppe.ca