Bread - A Symbolic and Staple Food in Lviv - The Bread Basket of Europe

By Myron Dorosz

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Breaking bread is undoubtedly the most universal of traditions and rightfully so as it is a powerful symbol of peace. Bread is the one food eaten by people of every single culture, race and religion on earth. I strongly believe that there is no other place on the planet where bread is more symbolic than in Lviv, Ukraine. My frequent travels to this cultural capital has given me much insight into the rituals attached to bread in this particular region.

In Lviv, bread is a staple, the essential part of every meal. The biblical passage-" give us this day our daily bread" is taken literally and a meal without it is almost sacrilegious! Initially, I found this somewhat puzzling and a bit alarming. Even when the main course consisted of perigees ( dumplings stuffed with potato and or cheese) bread was served as well. Coming from a North American tradition, I could not help but worry about the dietary stress of this double carbohydrate. Then again, who am I to argue with tradition?

My favorite morning ritual is to queue in line to buy my daily loaf at one of the numerous " Xlib" kiosques. I feel like a child at a candy counter, mesmerized by all of the shapes, colors and aromas- what a treat! This little booth is buzzing with activity, where men and women alike discuss the latest political scandal, talk about the weather and of course, gossip. The variety ranges from sour dough to whole wheat, a baguette to a sesame seed bun. I'll take the wood fired variety every time.

One must respect the agrarian roots of this Slavic people and understand how grains from their fertile land play such a vital role in their religious customs. We have all witnessed media coverage of dignitaries arriving to Lviv. Lovely young women in folk attire present a beautiful loaf on a "rysnyk", the customary hand-embroidered cloth. This gentle and theatrical act symbolizes properity and hospitality.

In this city, bread is considered a sacred food and an object worthy of worship. No important family or religious event is celebrated without it. "Paska" is the sweat bread at Easter time and is normally adorned with dough in the shape of crosses and roses. "Kolach" is the main attraction among the 12 meatless dishes at Christmas. A candle burns at its' center all Christmas Eve to encourage peace and hope. It is braided in three rings in memory of the Holy Trinity. "Korovai" is the main centerpiece at a wedding. Raisins, sweat spices and icing sugar makes this a sweat offering that is topped with pine cone-like dough as a metaphorm for fertility. The lucky number is 7: 7 young brides a baking, 7 fields provide wheat, 7 wells provide the water. All of these ceremonial offerings are blessed with holy water at church gatherings that are candle lit and filled with song and prayer- truly a sight to behold!

Present day Lviv has all of the hustle and bustle of a modern day metropolis, filled with people on the run. Lviv has not escaped the commercialism of capitalism nor the globalization of technology. As a result, special occasion breads are now bought as opposed to home made. Recipes handed down from one generation to the next are quickly disappearing. Despite the mayhem of modern day life, Lviv manages to adhere to the customs and rituals it dearly loves.

For more information about Lviv and its' traditions please visit http://www.rentlviv.com and blog@rentlviv.com

Myron is a world traveler who has recently retired from a brilliant career as a chef and service manager with Via Rail Canada. As a retirement hobby he rents a few exclusive vacation rentals in Lviv- his beloved birth place.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Myron_Dorosz