Some Ukrainian Traditions:

UKRAINIAN TRADITIONS:

KOROVAI (WEDDING BREAD)

For Wedding celebrations, a large circular sweet bread, considered holy, is the most significant of all wedding breads. It is heavily decorated with symbolic ornaments shaped as pinecones (symbolizing fertility), doves, geese, or other symbols of peace, love, and faithfulness. After it is baked, it is then decorated with green periwinkle leaves.

Folklore says the making of Korovai was an important ritual in itself. It required a strict observance of age-old custom in which the number "seven" played an important part. It had to be made by seven young women selected from seven happily married couples. These seven women were required to draw water from seven different wells and to use flour from wheat that grew in seven different fields, Butter and eggs had to come from seven sources also.

GREETINGS - BREAD & SALT

Ukraine was known as the breadbasket of the world. its rich humus soil produced grain in great abundance. From the respected staple of life, wheat, Ukrainian homemakers developed a variety of artistic looking breads. Ukrainians regard bread as one of the holiest of all foods.

The importance of salt is reflected in Christ's words. "You are the salt of the earth". It is also a symbol of fast and self- denial. Bread and salt are necessary for health and important ingredients in our daily consumption.

The round loaf of bread or "Kolach", a symbol of eternity, is used with a mold of salt, in various shapes, as a humble but heartfelt greeting to visitors.

"With this bread and salt we greet you.
We invite you to preserve the Ukrainian culinary
arts, by teaching and passing on
these traditions to your loved ones"
"Bitaemo"

Sviata Vechera

Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper

Twelve different and special dishes are traditional for this meal which begins only after the first star of the evening appears. The twelve dishes are to remind us of the twelve Apostles.

After a day of fasting, in remembrance of the hardships that Mary endured as she and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem, preparations of a spiritual and physical nature set the mood of the Holy Night.

Food for the Holy Supper is prepared with no meat or dairy products. Hay is put under the table and under the tablecloth as a reminder of the humble place of Christ's birth. On top of a white or embroidered tablecloth is placed a Kolach, in the middle of the table. In the middle of the Kolas a candle is placed which is left burning all night. A lit candle is also placed in the window, to welcome any homeless people. there is always an extra table setting for the souls of the deceased. As dusk approaches, the head of the house brings in a Didukh, a sheaf of grain, and places it near the Icons.

As the star appears, the father carries a bowl of Kutia around the home three times, reciting prayers. When all the family is at the table, prayers are recited and the Nativity Tropar is sung. "Boh Predvichny".

The first dish of the twelve is always Kutia, the eldest of the family throws a spoonful of the kutia to the ceiling. The more kernels that stick to the ceiling, the greater the good luck in the following year.

After the completion of the twelve dishes, nuts and candies are scattered in the hay under the table for the children to find. Throughout the rest of the evening, Christmas carols are sung by the family.

When it is almost midnight, all the members of the family go to the Nativity Mass, a celebration of Christ Birth. The traditional greeting is "Khrystos Razdayetsia" (Christ is Born) to which one replies, "Slavite Yoho" (let us glorify him).

The following day and up to Yordan (Jordan) carollers visit families and friends, starting with the home of the priest, proclaiming the birth of Christ, our Saviour.

The Holy days of the Christmas season end on January 20th. The Feast of St. John the Baptist.

Sviata Vechera

Traditional dishes for Ukrainian Christmas Eve:

Kutia
Kolach
Meatless Borsch
Stuffed Salmon or Fried Fillets
Pickled Herring
Meatless Holubtsi

Varenyky - Potato, Sauerkraut or Prunes Sauerkraut and Peas
Broad Beans or Mashed Beans
Pidpenky with Gravy
Compote (fruits)
Pampushky, Makiwnyk

UKRAINIAN EASTER

Easter, the most glorious and radiant event in all history, commemorates the resurrection of Christ.

With the ringing of the church bells at midnight on Saturday, the joyful Easter Matins begin. the triumphant resurrection service begins with procession around the church. Temporarily, the darkened church is emptied and the doors are closed, representing the closed tomb of Christ. The procession circles the church three times, symbolizing the journey of the morning to anoint his body.

The visit to the empty sepulchre by the women is climaxed when the risen Saviour is seen and recognized. Here the pries greets the worshippers with the traditional words. "Christ is Risen". The people respond with " He is indeed Risen". The church bells peal, the worshippers re-enter the church and the Easter service proceeds to its joyful competion. The royal gates are kept open the entire Easter week to symbolize that the gates of Heaven have been opened to all faithful believers.

It is the custom to exchange or give Easter eggs (Pysanky) with the Easter greeting, "Krystos Voskres" to which the reply is "Voistyno Voskres".

Immediately after the service, people return home to break the long fast with an Easter breakfast of consecrated or blessed food. The menu consists of boiled eggs, a variety of hot and cold meats, roast suckling pig, cheese, salads, horseradish and beet relish, and delectable Easter breads and pastries.

The meal begins with Easter grace, followed by a ceremonious service of the blessed egg, which the elder head of the family divides into portions, one for each person, again with the greeting of Easter. This ritual symbolizes family unity and expresses hope for a happy and prosperous year until next Easter.

SVIACHENE

Traditional Foods for the Blessing of the Easter Baskets

Hard boiled eggs
Meat products - ham, roast pork, lamb
Kolbassa - sausage
Butter
Cheese or egg-cheese
Fresh horseradish root
Salt
Paska Babka
Pysanky

Easter Dinner would include all the of the above Blessed Foods, plus a selection of the following:

Holubtsi
Mashed potato's - gravy
Pyrohy
Vegetables
Salads
Studenetz
Tortes or Cheesecakes
Beverages

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