The Lateral division  is a very common division whose main defining characteristic is the central placement of the motif on each side of the pysanka.  A classic example is the “Lateral ruzha” (бокова ружа):

The dividing line itself is actually longitudinal.  This is the simplest of all divisions, and is seen commonly in traditional pysankarstvo.  The egg is divided in two longitudinally, either by a simple line or, more commonly, a band.  The ornamental motifs are placed centrally on each side of the pysanka.

The line may be visible in the final pysanka, but often it is not, leaving only a simple egg with evenly placed motifs:

from Volyn’, “Berehynia” and “Tree of Life”

Bands can be very simple, or highly complex, depending on the design of the egg and the skill of the pysankarka.  Traditional pysanky, with the exception of those from the Hutsul region, tended to favor simple, geometric bands. This red and green pysanka from Volyn’ has a very simple band:

Volyn, “Berehynia”

Other bands can be much more complex, single or multiple, with numerous design elements of their own, as in these two pysanky:

from Volyn’, “Windmills” and “Yurok (Shepherd’s hook)”

How do you actually draw these divisions?  The first version the simple single line, is quite easy.  You start with a horizontal line (A), and then draw a longitudinal line perpendicular to it (B), all around the egg. 

              A                             B

This will give you your lateral division (C).  The horizontal line, while not a part of the final design, is useful in placing the lateral motifs centrally, and in making them line up evenly from one side to the other.

                  C                    Top View

To make a pysanka like the “Berehynia” or “Windmills” above, you will need to make the line a band.  When you have been making pysanky or a long time, it is easy to just eyeball parallel lines.  For the beginner, though, it helps to measure.  Starting with egg C above, measure an equal distance on either side of the longitudinal line at several spots along its length (and perpendicular to it).  Mark these spots (D).  Then, with your pencil, connect the dots (E).

              D                             E

This will give you a nice, even lateral band (F):

                  F                      Top View

To make a pysanka like the “Yurok” above, you will need to add more bands, one to each side of the main band.  Once again, for the beginner, it helps to measure.  Starting with egg F above, measure an equal distance one side of the band at several spots along its length (and perpendicular to it), and then on the other side.  Mark these spots (G).  Then, with your pencil, connect the dots (H).

              G                            H

The result is the lateral egg below, with three bands along its side (I).  If you draw in the bands with wax, you will have the pysanka J.

               I                             J

From the top, the egg will look like this:

Top View

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Note:  All photos, illustrations and text © Luba Petrusha 2007. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction prohibited without expressed consent.  May contact via e-mail (link below).