(blog)

On the eve of the ancient Christian holiday of Easter, I want to emphasize that when we have already set out to revive Ukrainian culture and customs, it is important not to focus only on clothing, folklore or historical facts, but also to remember to preserve knowledge about the speech culture of our ancestors. It is not for nothing that they say: “Language is the heart of the nation. The nation exists as long as our native Ukrainian language lives and develops.” That is why I suggest that all conscious Ukrainians remember a few authentic Ukrainian words that preserve the spirit of this bright family holiday and the memory of generations.

No. 1. BABKA

This is how Easter bread was called in ancient times in Ukraine, but later this name gave way to the more familiar word “paska” today.

No. 2. BABNIK, BABOSHNIK, BABNITSYA

Variations of the names of clay dishes for baking ritual bread for Easter.

No. 3. OBRUS

A tablecloth made of homespun white linen, decorated with embroidery or embroidering – this is the original name of one of the oldest ways of decorating clothes. This is a kind of printing on the fabric of certain patterns, which were applied using special stamps. Embroidering was used in many cultures, including Ukraine, to create unique ornaments on clothes, tablecloths, towels, and even on clothes.

No. 4. DRYAPANKA

A rare type of Easter egg. An ornament which is created by scratching the pattern with a sharp object, creating a contrast between a light ornament and a dark background.

No. 5. DORIDNIK

A wicker basket in which dishes are carried to the church for consecration. It is covered with periwinkle or decorated with an embroidered towel.

No. 6. PLASKANKA

A traditional Easter dish made from cheese, part of ancient Ukrainian cuisine. It is still prepared today in Transcarpathia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Vinnytsia regions.

No. 7. BESAGY

This is a double bag that is carried on the shoulder. In some western regions of Ukraine, people went to bless pasku (or babki) on Easter in besagas.

No. 8. GAGILKY

These are ancient folk spring games and round dances with songs that Ukrainians play near the church during Easter days.

And what “Easter” words were used in your region or family?