Bread for Ukrainians is not only an integral part of the meal but also a national heritage. It is called "God's gift," "breadwinner," and "holy" and is perceived as a symbol of life. Therefore, bread is not only an everyday food product but also an element of various rituals.
The symbolism of bread in the Ukrainian culture
Traditional Easter dinner meals
Easter dishes are church-consecrated meals eaten during the family's Easter breakfast. Ukrainians consecrate mostly dishes that were not eaten during Lent: ham, sausage, cheese, butter, eggs, etc. Eggs are of special importance: there are krashanky (one-colored Easter eggs) and pysanky (hand-painted Easter eggs).
Bitter herbs (such as horseradish),...