Easter cake is a familiar attribute of this religious holiday, without which celebration is already unthinkable. This hearty, fragrant bread, lit in the church, seems especially tasty after the end of the fast. Why are Easter cakes baked for Easter? The answer to this question lies in the ancient Christian tradition.
According to legend, after his resurrection, Christ appeared to the apostles during meals. For him, they always left free space at the table and bread. Over time, a religious tradition appeared on the day of the divine Resurrection to bring bread to the church and leave it on a special table. Then he was called the Greek word "artos". The upper part of the artos was decorated with a cross, which symbolized the victory of Jesus over death.
Throughout Bright Week, artos was worn around the temple during the procession. On the Saturday before the holiday, the bread was divided into pieces and distributed to the parishioners after the early worship service. Gradually, the new tradition passed into homes, but believers must consecrate their Easter cakes in the temple. The cylindrical shape of the pie is explained by the round shape of the shroud of Jesus Christ. Hence the new name "kulich" came from, which in translation from Spanish kulich means "round bread". This word, more familiar to the Russian ear, comes from the Greek kollikion. The same name is used in many other countries, such as France (koulitch).
By putting Easter cake on the table, Christians pay tribute to the sacrifice of Christ, and the bread itself symbolizes the presence of Jesus in their home. There are several signs associated with this Easter dish. For example, it is believed that if the cake is a success, then there will be happiness and prosperity in the family all year round. Today, many people buy this bread, but it is much more important to prepare it yourself, filling the house with the warm aroma of baking, setting you in a blissful mood.
For the preparation of Easter cake, butter dough is used. The roots of this circumstance should also be sought in ancient legends. It is believed that before their resurrection, the Lord and his apostles ate unleavened bread, and after it - leavened bread. This is the origin of the tradition that has survived to this day.
Light raisins are added to modern Easter cakes, and the top is decorated with a sweet white icing made from whipped egg whites, sprinkled with decorative sprinkles or waffle images with Easter symbols. The cake should not be cut vertically, but horizontally in circles. If the cake is very tall, then the top is left for last, covering the remaining bread with it. Kulich is the main symbol of the holiday; eggs are also painted and cottage cheese Easter is prepared. In addition to following a religious ritual, these dishes are great for the body after a long Lent.
