Russian Easter Traditions
Hi everyone!
Easter is in a few weeks, and I thought it would be interesting to share Russian Easter traditions with you, as they are quite different from those in Europe and other countries.
Easter in Russia is one of the most important holidays, and also the richest in terms of cultural and historical traditions. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Easter according to the Orthodox calendar, and it can occur in April or May. This year it matches European Easter, and will be celebrate on Sunday 20 April.
Easter is an important family holiday in Russia; often it is celebrated even by non-religious families. On the Easter Day we always say "Христос воскрес!" [khrisTOS vosKRES] – "Christ is risen!". When somebody says this phrase to you, it is considered polite to respond with "Воистину воскрес!" [voIStinu vosKRES] – "Indeed he is risen!"
We always celebrate Easter with decorated eggs, special foods and customs. Russian Easter foods include
Kulich (the most famous Russian Easter bread, known for its tall narrow shape. It is usually made with lots of butter and eggs, as well as candied fruit, raisins, and nuts. The top is iced and decorated, usually with Cyrillic letters XB standing for “Christ is risen“)
Paskha (most often referred to as Russian cheesecake, is a dessert made from curd cheese)
and decorated eggs.
Sharing food on Easter has been a long tradition in Russia. That is why after breakfast people visit their friends and neighbours exchanging painted eggs and Easter cakes. It’s believed that if the first egg you get on Easter is a truly gift given from the heart, it will never go bad.
In my family we also have a tradition of "egg fights". The rule of the game is simple. Before you eat your egg, when it is still in a shell, you tap the egg of another participant with your own egg intending to break the other's, without breaking your own. The eggs are always hard boiled by the way!
Happy Easter everyone!!!
With lots of love,
Ksenia, Russian Ambassador
Easter is in a few weeks, and I thought it would be interesting to share Russian Easter traditions with you, as they are quite different from those in Europe and other countries.
Easter in Russia is one of the most important holidays, and also the richest in terms of cultural and historical traditions. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Easter according to the Orthodox calendar, and it can occur in April or May. This year it matches European Easter, and will be celebrate on Sunday 20 April.
We always celebrate Easter with decorated eggs, special foods and customs. Russian Easter foods include
Kulich (the most famous Russian Easter bread, known for its tall narrow shape. It is usually made with lots of butter and eggs, as well as candied fruit, raisins, and nuts. The top is iced and decorated, usually with Cyrillic letters XB standing for “Christ is risen“)
Paskha (most often referred to as Russian cheesecake, is a dessert made from curd cheese)
and decorated eggs.
Sharing food on Easter has been a long tradition in Russia. That is why after breakfast people visit their friends and neighbours exchanging painted eggs and Easter cakes. It’s believed that if the first egg you get on Easter is a truly gift given from the heart, it will never go bad.
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