Easter traditions of Transcarpathia

Easter traditions of Transcarpathia: briefly about the main customs

The Easter traditions of Transcarpathia have preserved their authentic spirit and are passed down from generation to generation. Here Easter is considered the most important feast of the year, and preparations for it begin long before Bright Sunday.

Bright Sunday - returning from church and the festive meal

After the morning service the Transcarpathians hurry home, for they believe: whoever is first to arrive with the Easter bread will have a happy year. On the doorstep everyone greets one another with the words “Christ is risen!” - “Truly He is risen!”.
The head of the household touches each member of the family with the Easter bread, and then cuts it and gives part of it to the livestock - for prosperity.

At the table the family shares a blessed dyed egg among everyone present. If there is a girl of marriageable age in the house, the Easter bread is placed on her head, wishing her greatness and a happy fate.

Bright Monday - water-dousing and family visits

On the first day of the feast people do not go visiting; instead, on Bright Monday visits to godparents and relatives begin. The bells ring all day, and the lads may ring them themselves - according to belief, this brings health.

Monday is called Dousing Monday: the lads douse the girls with water or perfume, and on Tuesday - the girls douse the lads. On Easter Monday all the church bells ring without stopping. Every year, only on this feast, all the young lads may ring the bells. For although the bell-ringer is the master of the belfry, during the Easter holidays anyone who wishes may do this. And besides, they say, if you stand beneath a bell at Easter, you will be in robust health all year!)

Buying “something new” for Easter

There is also a tradition that for Easter everyone should buy themselves something new. This is linked to the awakening of nature, to spring, to the renewal of all living things. In Transcarpathia, in every village and town, a festive service is held on Monday too, after which the faithful walk around the church three times with banners - this is a wonderful opportunity for unmarried girls to show off their new outfit to everyone. And after the service, by tradition, people visit their godparents and grandparents in order to show them their respect in this way.

The Easter traditions of Transcarpathia - are a blend of family warmth, spiritual rites and springtime renewal that makes the feast truly special.

See for yourself and feel the true atmosphere of the Easter traditions of Transcarpathia by joining an Easter Tour to Transcarpathia!