Breaking bread is without a doubt the most universal of traditions and consequently as it is a strong symbol of peace. Bread may be the one food eaten by people of each and every single culture, race and religion on the planet. I strongly think that there is no other put on the planet where bread is much more symbolic compared to Lviv, Ukraine. My frequent travels for this cultural capital has given me much understanding of the rituals mounted on bread within this particular region.
In Lviv, bread is really a staple, the fundamental part of each meal. The biblical passage-" provide us with this day our daily bread" is taken literally along with a meal without them is almost sacrilegious! Initially, I discovered this somewhat puzzling along with a bit alarming. Even if the main course contains perigees ( dumplings full of potato as well as cheese) bread was served too. Coming from a United states tradition, I possibly could not help but be worried about the dietary stress of the double carbohydrate. On the other hand, who am I to argue with tradition?
My favorite morning ritual would be to queue in line to purchase my daily loaf at among the numerous " Xlib" kiosques. Personally i think like a child in a candy counter, mesmerized by all the shapes, colors and aromas- such a treat! This little booth is buzzing with activity, where both men and women discuss the most recent political scandal, discuss the weather not to mention, gossip. The range ranges from sour dough to wheat grains, a baguette to some sesame seed bun. I'll go ahead and take wood fired variety each time.
One must respect the agrarian roots of the Slavic people and know how grains using their fertile land play this type of vital role within their religious customs. Most of us have witnessed media coverage of dignitaries arriving to Lviv. Lovely ladies in folk attire present an attractive loaf on the "rysnyk", the customary hand-embroidered cloth. This gentle and theatrical act symbolizes properity and hospitality.
In this city, bread is recognized as a sacred food as well as an object worth worship. No important family or religious event is well known without it. "Paska" may be the sweat bread at Easter some time and is normally adorned with dough the same shape as crosses and roses. "Kolach" may be the main attraction one of the 12 meatless dishes at Christmas. A candle burns at its' center all Christmas Eve to encourage peace and hope. It's braided in three rings in memory from the Holy Trinity. "Korovai" may be the main centerpiece in a wedding. Raisins, sweat spices and icing sugar makes mtss is a sweat offering that's topped with pine cone-like dough like a metaphorm for fertility. The lucky number is 7: 7 young brides a baking, 7 fields provide wheat, 7 wells supply the water. Many of these ceremonial offerings have holy water at church gatherings which are candle lit and full of song and prayer- a classic sight to behold!
Present day Lviv has all the hustle and bustle of the modern day metropolis, full of people away from home. Lviv has not escaped the commercialism of capitalism nor the globalization of technology. Consequently, special occasion breads are actually bought instead of home made. Recipes passed down from one generation to another are quickly disappearing. Regardless of the mayhem of contemporary day life, Lviv seems to adhere to the customs and rituals it dearly loves.
For more info about Lviv and its' traditions check out rentlviv.com and blog@rentlviv.com
Myron is really a world traveler that has recently retired from the brilliant career like a chef and service manager with Via Rail Canada. Like a retirement hobby he rents several exclusive holiday rentals in Lviv- his beloved birth place.
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