Easter in the world and Ukraine: A Celebration of Faith, Tradition and Family

Easter, or Velykden (Великдень) in Ukrainian, is one of the most significant and cherished holidays in the world and Ukraine. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the triumph of life over death and hope over despair. However, Easter in Ukraine is not only a religious observance but also a vibrant cultural celebration full of unique traditions, family gatherings, and community events. This holiday has deep roots in Ukrainian history and customs, making it a truly special time of the year.

Easter traditions in the world

Easter is celebrated in many countries around the world and each of them has its own unique traditions.

1. United States

In the U.S., Easter is a time for family gatherings, Easter egg hunts, and church services. One of the most iconic traditions is the White House Easter Egg Roll, a centuries-old event where children roll eggs across the White House lawn. Many people also decorate eggs, which are often hidden for children to find. The Easter Bunny, a symbol of spring, is central to celebrations, delivering candy and small gifts to children.

2. United Kingdom

In the UK, Easter is a time for feasting, particularly on hot cross buns, sweet, spiced buns marked with a cross on top, symbolizing the crucifixion. People also engage in egg rolling contests, where boiled eggs are rolled down hills, and the egg that travels the farthest without breaking wins. Easter egg hunts are also common, with chocolate eggs being hidden for children to find.

3. Italy

Easter in Italy is deeply religious, with many cities hosting processions. One of the most famous is in Florence, where the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) occurs. A large cart filled with fireworks is ignited by a mechanical dove during Easter Sunday Mass. If the cart explodes successfully, it is believed to ensure a good harvest. In southern Italy, Easter Monday, known as Pasquetta, is often celebrated with family picnics outdoors.

Easter traditions in Ukraine

Easter traditions in Ukraine are both religious and cultural, with customs that date back centuries. Here are some of the most beloved Easter traditions that Ukrainians observe:

1. Preparation of the Easter Basket (Kosyk)  

One of the most iconic traditions of Ukrainian Easter is the preparation of the Easter basket, known as "kosyk". This basket is filled with various food items, including pascha (a sweet, rich bread), krashanky (dyed eggs), syr (cheese), paska (bread), and kovbasa (sausage). These foods are symbolic, representing life, fertility, and abundance. The basket is brought to church for blessing, and the foods inside are eaten after the Easter service.

2. Eggs and Pysanky  

 Eggs are perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Easter in Ukraine. Ukrainian Easter eggs, known as pysanky, are meticulously decorated with intricate designs and symbols that have both religious and cultural significance. The art of making pysanky involves a special technique of using wax to create detailed patterns on the eggs before dyeing them in vibrant colors. Pysanky are often exchanged as gifts during Easter and are believed to bring good luck and protection.

3. The Easter Sunday Service and Midnight Vigil  

On Easter Sunday, Ukrainian Christians gather at churches for a special midnight vigil and the Paschal liturgy. This service is filled with hymns, prayers, and chants, marking the joy of Christ’s resurrection. At the heart of the Easter service is the moment when the priest announces, "Christ is risen!" to which the congregation responds, "He is risen indeed!" This exchange echoes throughout Ukraine, filling the air with a sense of spiritual renewal and triumph.

4. Blessing of the Easter Basket  

On the morning of Easter Sunday, Ukrainians take their prepared baskets to church, where they are blessed by the priest. The food inside the basket—representing the sacrifices made for the resurrection—receives a sacred blessing. Once the baskets are blessed, families return home to begin their Easter feast. The blessing of food symbolizes not just nourishment for the body, but also spiritual renewal and protection.

Therefore Easter is a great spring holiday. People around the world celebrate coming of the spring, period of renewal, blossoming. They gather as families to celebrate the victory of life, joy and faith.