Soon, Ukrainians of the Eastern rite will celebrate one of the greatest Christian holidays - Easter. One of the main traditions is the consecration and consumption of ceremonial dishes.
Ukrainians have long believed that everything that is celebrated in the Easter basket has special properties. However, what exactly can you bring to the church, and what is not desirable?
We will tell you about the Galician traditional Easter basket.
The selection of products is not random. Each has a symbolic meaning. Usually, the Easter basket includes Easter bread ("paska"), eggs, cheese or butter, meat products, horseradish and salt.
The sweetness of the Paska, the baking, and the beauty are the three virtues: compassion, mercy, and care, which the Creator bestows on every Christian. The tradition of baking Easter bread is quite old and dates back to pre-Christian times. This process is also accompanied by many rituals, signs and beliefs.
An important element of the Easter holidays is the egg. People have long considered it a symbol of the beginning of the world, the germ of life. In the Easter basket, these are pysanky and krashanky, the making of which has become a work of art in the Ukrainian tradition.
Even in the basket, people put cheese and butter - dairy products, original products that were in the plan of the Creator. They are symbols of God's sacrifice and his care for us. It is noteworthy that these are also symbols of prosperity, a full life, and good luck.
Sausage and ham symbolize the sacrificial lamb, which ordered the father to slaughter after the return of the prodigal son home. It is the embodiment of the joy of the soul, happy family life and family replenishment.
Horseradish is a symbol of human strength and the inviolability of the human spirit. These are also strong roots that give a person faith in the Resurrection of the Lord. Horseradish should remind us of the bitterness of the captivity of sin.
Salt is a symbol of fullness and prosperity. In the Bible, salt symbolizes the connection between God and the people. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls the disciples the salt of the earth. The consecrated salt was considered a remedy against evil: it was sprinkled on the house.
Additionally, the Easter basket is covered with an embroidered towel and decorated with greenery, periwinkle, and myrtle (it symbolizes eternal life and immortality). Be sure to bring a candle to the church that reminds you of Jesus, the Light of the world.
Що не можна класти у Великодній кошик?
It is inappropriate and unnecessary to put those dishes not mentioned in the prayer for consecration in the basket. They have no symbolic meaning, so better to leave them at home.
- Vegetables and fruits
- Sweets
- Alcohol
- Blood sausage and other blood dishes
- Then Money and jewelry
Also, according to belief, you should not throw away Easter products. You can share the surplus with relatives until they are spoiled, or give it to the poor and needy.
Цього року Великдень, що припадає на неділю 24 квітня, українці зустрінуть в умовах війни.
Міністерство культури та інформаційної політики України та Державна служба України з етнополітики та свободи совісті рекомендують вірянам замість фізичного відвідування храму дивитися трансляції на телебаченні та онлайн.
