Prior to the introduction of Christianity into Ukraine over a thousand years ago, religious ceremonies of the Ukrainian ancestors were closely connected with calendar and seasonal activities. Each season had its own festivities and the early Christianized Ukrainians refusing to discard their ancient beliefs and traditions, fitted them into the new Christian ideology. On Easter Sunday, a special Resurrection service is held. At the conclusion of the service, there are rows of food baskets containing eggs, and Paska among other dishes that were blessed by the priest. They are taken home for the family members and visitors to partake. Along with Paska and the eggs, breakfast can consist of the following: ham, potato salad, mixed vegetable salad, sausage, saltseson (variety of pork meats made into a loaf), and Easter Syrnyk, which is a dish made with cottage cheese. Also, a variety of relishes accompany the meal. For dessert, there are many recipes of sweet Syrnyk –cheese cakes. This brief history is derived from the cook book “Traditional Ukrainian Cookery” by Savella Stechishin. Thanks to Lisa Washington for the loan of the book.
Happy Easter to all our readers.
Contact Terri Lefebvre Prince,
Heritage Researcher,
City of Yorkton Archives,
Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North
Yorkton, Sask. S3N 2W3
306-786-1722
[email protected]
