These Ukrainian eggs were made 40-50 years ago, when I was in high school, long before quilting patterns grabbed my attention.
They are spotty and quite delicate, but the colors, applied with alternating layers of bees' wax and dyes, are still strong.
Can you see the quilt patterns in the traditional designs?
Perhaps because all four of my grandparents were born in Poland and immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s . . .
Perhaps because I can still remember, in particular, my father's pride when Poland was the first Eastern European country to taste the fall of communism in 1980 . . .
Perhaps because I just started reading Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder, and barely made it to page one without feeling horrified. . .
Perhaps because I fear that this is a terrible moment in history. . . .
. . . World events are weighing heavy on my heart.
Many of the traditions I embrace, the 'old world' foods I love to eat and to make, the colors and shapes that influence me . . . they are all part of my proud Eastern European heritage. And even though I've never been to Ukraine, I feel closely aligned with a nation whose people, ancestral struggles, and traditions are similar to, yet uniquely different from, mine.
I have no doubt that the Ukrainian people will remain strong and proud of our shared history--not unlike the bright colors that remain strong on my dyed eggs so many years later.
History doesn’t always repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme.
Winston Churchill
#StandWithUkraine
(Photo: a portion of the Berlin Wall.)
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
I also feel a heavy heart about Ukraine and our country’s uncivil war. I can’t believe some known figures in this country still stand with Putin and his right to invade a country. The same figures and many more who listen to and believe alternative facts along with outright thwarting what the present party in power wants to do for the country without even considering its merits. We don’t learn well from history. What is happening in Europe and in this country is about the same issue- powerful people who want to rule others with the fist of authoritarianism for the betterment of the rich and powerful and to the detriment of millions who are not wealthy and privileged. We have armed people in this country who want power and are willing to fight for their rights over the rights of others. We should be doubly scared at this moment in time. Thanks for having the courage to share your feelings.