For many Ukrainians, Easter is an extremely important holiday. Its traditions are passed down from generation to generation and are especially revered. Learn more about the customs of Ukraine that make this holiday unique

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On April 16, Orthodox Christians, who are the majority in Ukraine, will celebrate Easter. This bright holiday is shrouded in unique traditions and rituals, which make Easter a unique and favorite day for many Ukrainians. We invite you to immerse yourself in the pre-holiday atmosphere and learn more about Easter traditions in Ukraine.

Special greetings

On Easter, all Ukrainians greet each other in a special way. This tradition was formed many centuries ago and has become mandatory for congratulations on the holiday. 

Believers kiss each other on the cheek three times, exchanging the following expressions: «Khrystos voskres» ("Christ is risen") and «Voistynu voskres» ("He is truly risen"). 

This greeting phrase is often used to decorate pastries, eggs, tablecloths, towels, etc.

Easter basket

Easter baskets are collected by Christians not only in Ukraine, but the Ukrainian version has its own characteristics. What makes it unique? First of all, the decoration. Willow branches, candles, and most importantly, an embroidered towel, which is often passed down from generation to generation. 

The basket itself is filled with dishes that will be eaten at dinner. Among them are Easter eggs, Easter cake, bacon and sausage, bread, butter and cheese. 

This set of attributes and products was chosen for a reason. Each element has its own symbolic meaning: 

• The branches represent the intertwining of love and intelligence;

• candle means light;

• eggs - life and fertility.

Easter dinner

The whole family gathers for dinner. Celebrating Easter is not just about eating, it is about sharing positive energy, praying for a brighter future, and believing in the triumph of good over evil.

Consecrated food is always put on the table, and everyone should try it. Easter cake and Easter eggs are the centerpieces of the meal, but hostesses and hosts cook more than just these. Let us tell you more about these dishes.

Easter cake is a sweet Easter bread that is baked on the eve of the holiday on Thursday or Saturday. It has a special meaning - it represents the presence of God in people's lives. Attention is also paid to the height of the finished dish, because the higher it is, the more prosperity the family will have.

We would like to add that the best ingredients are used for baking, but the thoughts of the hostess and her clothes are equally important - they must be clean. It is not recommended to make noise, slam doors, or talk loudly while preparing the dough and baking, as this can prevent the dough from rising and baking well.

Eggs for Easter are called pysanky, krasanky, or driapanky, depending on the coloring technology. Eggs are dyed or painted, scratched with a needle, or melted wax. In the past, natural dyes were used to color eggs: fruits and bark of trees, herbs, and flowers.

Coloring eggs has become a favorite Easter tradition, especially for children. 

Music

On Easter, Ukrainians sing hayivky - songs combined with dances that call for spring. This tradition was formed in pagan times, but it did not disappear after the Christianization of Rus' and is still alive today.

Today, many artists reinterpret traditional motifs and create modern tracks.

Watered Monday

Easter celebrations do not end on Sunday. On the first Monday after the holiday, there is a tradition of pouring water on yourself and others. Christians believe that water on this day becomes healing and helps to purify oneself spiritually.

We remind you! Earlier we wrote that Ukrzaliznytsia has scheduled additional flights for Easter and May holidays. Check out the list of routes here.

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