Religious symbols are quite common on pysanky.  In ancient times, symbols were drawn to the old gods, including Perun, Dazhboh, the Serpent and the  Berehynia. After the forced christianization of Ukraine in 988, there were attempts to ban pysankarstvo and other pagan practices; these efforts generally failed, and, instead, the ancient practices were reinterpreted and subsumed into Ukrainian christianity.  The old symbols remained, but interpretations changed.

Below are brief descriptions of many Christian motifs and symbols. For more detailed information and examples of pysanky with these motifs, go to the corresponding pages in the Christian Motifs Gallery.

Churches

The only true traditional Christian symbol, and not one adapted from an earlier pagan one, is the church. Stylized churches are often found on pysanky from Hutsul regions (including the Hutsul regions of Bukovyna). The constituent parts of churches are usually in threes: three stories/roofs, three towers, three domes, three openings (windows and doors). Sometimes only the bell tower (dzvinytsia) of a chruch, which was usually a separate structure, is depicted.

Crosses

Crosses are fairly common, although most of those found on traditional pysanky are not Ukrainian (Byzantine) crosses. The crosses most commonly depicted are of the simple "Greek" cross type, with arms of equal lengths. This type of cross predates Christianity, and is a sun symbol (an abstracted representation of the solar bird); it is sometimes combined with the star (ruzha) motif. The "cross crosslet" type of cross, one in which the ends of each arm are crossed, is frequently seen, particularly on Hutsul and Bukovynian pysanky.

Hand and Eye of God

Other adapted religious symbols include a triangle with a circle in the center, denoting the eye of God, and one known as the "hand of god."

Grapes

Modern Additions

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the commercially produced folk pysanky of the Carpathians, especially Kosmach, have begun displaying more Christian symbols. The lower arm of the cross in older designs is often lengthened to appear more Christian, even if it throws off the symmetry of the design. Crucifixes are sometimes seen. Pysanky are being written with depictions of Easter baskets on them, including a paska and candle. White doves, symbols of the Holy Spirit, are also more frequently seen; doves are usually depicted in flight, while other wild birds are traditionally shown perched.

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