The word pysanky is the plural form of the word pysanka, which is derived from a Ukrainian word meaning "to write". When one creates a pysanka, they are "writing" a pysanka.
A traditional pysanka would typically be made using a whole, raw egg. The inside of the egg represents life and is what gives a pysanka its talismanic value. The pysanka is decorated with symbols and colors that have specific meanings, so that they can bless someone's home, harvest, livestock, bring fertility into the home, or honor someone who has died and help them into heaven. They would be used in the home or given as gifts, left on a grave, buried in a field, or hung in a barn.
After Ukrainians adopted Christianity in 988 A.D., many of the symbols took on new meanings that reflected their new religion, while keeping the older pagan meanings to create a blending of old and new. For example, the cross was a symbol of life in pre-Christian times, but is now widely used as a symbol of Christian faith. Each region of Ukraine would have specific symbols and colors they would use in their designs and would be passed down from mother to daughter over the generations. Most designs would be fairly simple compared to modern pysanky.