At every meal in Ukraine, you will most likely find some type of bread. This classic baked treat is a common food staple all over the world, but it holds a special significance in Ukrainian culture. Bread symbolizes prosperity, divinity, and hospitality. Known as the breadbasket of Europe, Ukraine has very rich soil which produces hearty grains. When the very first Ukrainians began harvesting the land, grains and breads quickly became sacred objects of worship and rituals. The baking and decoration of bread became a form of art for Ukrainian women.

The hospitable offering of bread and salt to guests is a centuries old Ukrainian tradition. The hosts present an embroidered ceremonial cloth called a rushnyk, upon which a circular bread and mold of salt sit. The bread symbolizes hospitality and the salt represents friendship. After they speak the greeting, "With this bread and salt we greet you, welcome", the guest dips a small piece of bread into the salt. Appreciation is shown with a small bow of the head and the treat can then be consumed.

An important aspect of Ukrainian holidays includes the baking and decorating of special occasion breads. A sweet, circular bread is baked for Easter, known as paska. Dough is used for the decorations of crosses, roses, and pine cones. Much larger, ring-shaped braided loaves are called kolach and are baked for Christmas celebrations. Three loaves are stacked upon each other which represent the Holy Trinity. A candle is placed inside of the rings and is lit before dinner and continues burning all night.

Another special occasion that requires a special bread is a wedding. The traditional wedding bread is the korovai, which is large, circular and sweet. Again there are ornate decorations that also serve as symbols such as cones for fertility, and doves for love and faithfulness. Green periwinkle leaves are also commonly used for dcor. The baking of the wedding bread is an age old tale of Ukrainian folklore. The only way for a couple to enjoy a successful marriage was if the korovai was made by seven young Ukrainian girls born from seven happily married couples. They had to use seven different wells to collect the water and use seven different fields to collect the wheat.

Ukrainians usually bake these traditional breads from scratch, although those without the proper knowledge and recipes can also just buy them from stores. There are some family owned recipes that have been passed down for generations since most every family event has to include bread. Superstition even plays a role with many Ukrainians believing that bad luck and nightmares will be brought upon someone that leaves even a crumb of bread on their plate. If you visit the country's capital city of Kiev, be sure to visit the National Bread Museum. Showing you respect Ukrainian culture will help you have a most enjoyable time.