Since Easter is coming soon, I would like to tell you about the traditions and customs that are popular in Ukraine during this holiday. Celebrating Easter at such a difficult time for our country is a way to relax and unwind, to remember those good times before the war. If you have any traditions that relate to Easter in your country, I'd love to hear about it so I can write another blog about how Easter is celebrated in other countries.

For each of us, the holiday of Easter is associated with a procession with candles, the red vestments of church ministers, joyful singing and mutual greetings: "Christ is Risen!" - "Truly Risen!" External attributes of the holiday include a favorite from childhood fried Easter cake with raisins and painted eggs - Easter eggs.

However, the main symbolism of this bright holiday is related to the divine service. This includes:
- Easter All-Night Vigil, which is celebrated with special solemnity because Easter itself is considered the most important event of the church year;
- The Easter greeting or baptism with the words, "Christ is risen!" - "Truly Risen!" and the triple kiss on the cheek;
- fire, which symbolizes the Light of God, from which all believers may light lamps and candles and take them home;
- Easter meal, which comes after Lent and is held with the holy Easter eggs, which are considered a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ.

In addition to traditional rituals, there are many regional peculiarities associated with the celebration of Easter in Ukraine. For example, in the western regions of Ukraine for Easter a special kind of pastry is prepared - paskha, which differs from the paskha from other regions in shape and taste. In some places on Easter folk games are played, such as "Kozatski zabavy" or "Saint Nicholas".

Traditions of celebrating Easter differ in other countries. For example, in Greece, the celebration of Easter begins with a festive solemn liturgy on Saturday night. The church service is followed by the traditional rite of "breaking bread" - on the festive table, participants break specially baked bread and wish each other health and well-being.

Each country has its own traditions and customs associated with Easter, but regardless, the main symbol of this holiday remains the Resurrection of Christ and the joyful greeting, "Christ is risen!" - "Truly Risen!"

Will you tell me about your Easter traditions in your country? I would love to write some new blogs about traditions in different countries and learn more about them. 💌💌