HAPPY EASTER!

HAPPY EASTER!

WELCOME TO A CELEBRATION OF EASTER!

DO YOU KNOW THAT? Easter in Russia is one of the most important Russian holidays. It is a blessed time for the faithful to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of the Savior. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Easter according to the Orthodox calendar, and it can occur in April or May. Like many countries in Eastern Europe, Russians celebrate Easter with decorated eggs and special foods and customs.

DO YOU KNOW THAT? The Russian Easter egg tradition dates back to pre-Christian times when people saw eggs as fertility symbols and devices of protection. They are supposed to protect crops against hail damage, keep cattle healthy and ward off evil spirits. An Easter egg hidden in the foundation of a house would bring the owners happiness and prosperity. So it’s no wonder that painted and blessed Easter eggs used to be kept as lucky charms for a long time. Traditional Easter eggs are red. Of course, it is also possible to use other colours.

DO YOU KNOW THAT? It is still very popular to roll Easter eggs on the ground or down a hill. The aim of the game is to break the eggs of other players without damaging your own ones. Experienced players pay special attention to the form of the eggs and even make special gutters for the eggs to have a better roll. Farmers believe that rolling eggs keep the soil fertile.

DO YOU KNOW THAT? Russians celebrate Easter with an Easter breakfast or Easter meal. Russian Easter foods include kulich (Russian Easter bread), paskha (a dish made from cheese and other ingredients, usually formed into the shape of a pyramid), eggs, and other food. Sometimes the food is blessed by the church before being eaten. Other traditions accompany the consumption of Russian Easter foods. Eggs may be cracked with nails as a reminder of Christ.

Additionally, one egg may be cut into pieces - one piece for each family member at the Easter table

DO YOU KNOW THAT? In the past, only men were allowed to ring church bells. Bell-ringing could be heard everywhere creating a joyful atmosphere. There was no Easter without swinging on a swing. It was great fun, especially for kids and girls. Guys played harmonica watching the girls swing. There was a lot of flirting going on.

DO YOU KNOW THAT? Strangely enough the weather on the Easter Day is usually very nice and sunny. "The sun plays", say the Russians. It is an old custom to open the cages and let birds go free on Easter.