Orthodox Easter Day in Ukraine ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Orthodox Easter Day in Ukraine and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Orthodox Easter Day in Ukraine and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Ukraine, Easter is known as Velykden and is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This year, Easter will fall on April 12th. The holiday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is considered the most important holiday in the Orthodox Christian faith.
Preparations for Easter begin weeks in advance with a period of fasting and prayer. On Holy Thursday, a special Easter bread, called paska, is baked and decorated with religious symbols. On Good Friday, a solemn service is held in remembrance of the crucifixion of Christ. The following day, Holy Saturday, is spent preparing for the Easter feast.
On Easter Sunday, believers attend church services and then return home to enjoy a celebratory meal with family and friends. The meal typically features traditional Ukrainian dishes such as roasted lamb, ham, borscht, and pysanky (painted Easter eggs). Easter Monday is also a public holiday in Ukraine and is often spent outdoors enjoying the spring weather.