In Ukraine, as in the Czech Republic, Easter is a special holiday. And what traditions do Ukrainians have during this period?

The Easter holidays last all week. Ukrainians highlight several important days. For example, Maundy Thursday is a day of cleansing from all troubles, afflictions and death. Earlier on this day, Ukrainians cleaned the house, yard, and now people continue this centuries-old tradition.

On this day, the women also bake the main “dish” – paska (sweet bread with raisins, candied fruit, etc.). You shouldn’t eat it before sanctifying, because it is a great sin.

On Saturday, Ukrainians usually paint eggs. Each color has a symbolic meaning: red – the blood of Jesus, green – spring and inspiration, yellow – the moon, stars, warmth and sun, blue – health and strength. In addition, eggs are also decorated with different patterns (crosses, stars, birds, horses, Christmas trees). Such eggs are called pysanky.

On the day of the Resurrection of Christ, Ukrainians go to church, carry with them a basket in which they put meat, cheese, milk products, horseradish, and, the most important, – paska and eggs! In the church the priest consecrates food in the baskets. After that, Ukrainians go home and greet each other with the words “Сhristos Voskres! Voistynu Voskres!” (Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!)

The most interesting is the tradition of “beating with eggs” or “chrystoskatysia”. Everyone chooses a pysanka or krashanka, the strongest in his opinion, and begins to “fight with eggs” with other participants, saying the already known words “Сhristos Voskres! Voistynu Voskres!” The winner is the one whose egg remains intact and undamaged.

Easter is called the Holy Holiday. On this day, everything should be bright: desires, thoughts and actions. We hope that this year on Easter the dream of all Ukrainians will come true – peace on their land!