No Easter table is complete without a classic Kulich. Famous for its traditional shape and exquisite taste, Kuliches take centre stage in traditional Easter baskets. Baked fresh in cylindrical tins and decorated with white sugary icing and colourful sprinkles, Kuliches look very similar to Italian panettone bread. What makes Kuliches different from panettone is the light and airy dough.
Following Eastern Orthodox tradition, Kuliches are decorated with icing and often include the letter XB which stands for ‘Christ Is Risen’ (Христос Воскрес). They are taken to the Church in an Easter basket filled with decorated Easter eggs and blessed before consumption. Kuliches are eaten for 40 days following Easter as a symbol for atonement and suffering of Jesus Christ. Seen on the postcard are slices of Kulich.
Also seen on this postcard are Russian Easter eggs. Known as krashenoye krutoye Yaitso, these eggs occupy a central role in Russian Orthodox Easter celebrations. Blessed during the Easter liturgy, they are often the first thing to be eaten to break Lent after the service. Families dye them with non-toxic food dyes, typically using a variety of colour combinations; some use oil to create a marbled effect, while others might use candle wax for a more structured result. The popularly used red dye is thought to symbolise the blood of Christ.
This interesting postcard came from Irina (15 May 2015) Postcrossing.
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