Easter bread: Difference between revisions

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| caption          = [[Germany|German]] ''Osterbrot'' with raisins and almonds
| caption          = [[wikipedia:Germany|German]] ''Osterbrot'' with raisins and almonds
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| other            = Prepared for [[Easter]]
| other            = Prepared for [[wikipedia:Easter|Easter]]
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In many European countries, there are various traditions surrounding the use of '''bread''' during the [[Easter]] holidays. Traditionally the practice of eating Easter bread or sweetened "communion" bread traces its origin back to Byzantium and the Orthodox Christian church. The recipe for sweetened or "honey-leavened" bread may date back as far as the Homeric Greek period based on anecdotal evidence from classical texts that mention this type of special food. It is also widely known that sweetened bread desserts similar to [[panettone]] were a Roman favorite.
In many European countries, there are various traditions surrounding the use of '''bread''' during the [[wikipedia:Easter|Easter]] holidays. Traditionally the practice of eating Easter bread or sweetened "communion" bread traces its origin back to Byzantium and the Orthodox Christian church. The recipe for sweetened or "honey-leavened" bread may date back as far as the Homeric Greek period based on anecdotal evidence from classical texts that mention this type of special food. It is also widely known that sweetened bread desserts similar to [[wikipedia:panettone|panettone]] were a Roman favorite.


==Bulgaria, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Poland==
==Bulgaria, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Poland==
===Kozunak, kulich, and paska===
===Kozunak, kulich, and paska===
A ''[[Kozunak]]'' is the traditional Easter bread in Bulgaria, ''[[kulich]]'' is one of different traditional [[Russia]]n ''[[Paska (bread)|paska]]'' Easter breads. ''[[Kolach]]'' is a traditional Czech bread made at Christmas in the shape of a ring. Usually, three rings are stack on top of each other to represent the Holy Trinity. Ukrainian Easter breads are also called ''paska'',  where often a rich, white bread is served and decorated on the top with symbols, including crosses, flowers, braids, wheat, or other designs representing aspects of Orthodox and Eastern Catholic faith.
A ''[[wikipedia:Kozunak|Kozunak]]'' is the traditional Easter bread in Bulgaria, ''[[wikipedia:kulich|kulich]]'' is one of different traditional [[wikipedia:Russia|Russia]]n ''[[wikipedia:Paska (bread)|paska]]'' Easter breads. ''[[wikipedia:Kolach|Kolach]]'' is a traditional Czech bread made at Christmas in the shape of a ring. Usually, three rings are stack on top of each other to represent the Holy Trinity. Ukrainian Easter breads are also called ''paska'',  where often a rich, white bread is served and decorated on the top with symbols, including crosses, flowers, braids, wheat, or other designs representing aspects of Orthodox and Eastern Catholic faith.


[[Romania]] and [[Moldova]] also have a traditional Easter pastry called [[Pască]] (The term ''Pasca'' is "Easter" in the Eastern Orthodox faith, similar to ''[[Pâques]]'' in French. It is derived from the Hebrew ''pesah''). The Romanian Pască is made with cheese (and may also include fruits, nuts, or chocolate for decoration). It is usually found alongside another traditional sweet bread which Romanians make for Easter and Christmas called ''[[Cozonac]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pasca–Romanian Easter Bread with Cheese and fruits|url=http://www.uoeonline.com/understanding-our-environment/335/news/pasca-romanian-easter-bread-with-cheese-and-fruits/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120917182750/http://www.uoeonline.com/understanding-our-environment/335/news/pasca-romanian-easter-bread-with-cheese-and-fruits/|archive-date=2012-09-17}}</ref>
[[wikipedia:Romania|Romania]] and [[wikipedia:Moldova|Moldova]] also have a traditional Easter pastry called [[wikipedia:Pască|Pască]] (The term ''Pasca'' is "Easter" in the Eastern Orthodox faith, similar to ''[[wikipedia:Pâques|Pâques]]'' in French. It is derived from the Hebrew ''pesah''). The Romanian Pască is made with cheese (and may also include fruits, nuts, or chocolate for decoration). It is usually found alongside another traditional sweet bread which Romanians make for Easter and Christmas called ''[[wikipedia:Cozonac|Cozonac]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pasca–Romanian Easter Bread with Cheese and fruits|url=http://www.uoeonline.com/understanding-our-environment/335/news/pasca-romanian-easter-bread-with-cheese-and-fruits/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120917182750/http://www.uoeonline.com/understanding-our-environment/335/news/pasca-romanian-easter-bread-with-cheese-and-fruits/|archive-date=2012-09-17}}</ref>


===Baba===
===Baba===
[[File:Adam Setkowicz.jpg|thumb|Polish Easter bread "Babka wielkanocna"]]
[[File:Adam Setkowicz.jpg|thumb|Polish Easter bread "Babka wielkanocna"]]
''Baba'' or ''babka'' is also a Ukrainian, Polish and [[Belarus]]ian  bread also made at Easter<ref name="Davidson 2014">{{cite book|first1=Alan|last1=Davidson|title=The Oxford Companion to Food|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bIIeBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA50|publisher=OUP Oxford|date=21 August 2014|isbn=978-0-19-104072-6|via=Google Books}}</ref> (not to be confused with the Polish Jewish [[babka]] bread). Rather than being broad and round, like ''paska'', ''babka'' typically is tall and cylindrical, often baked in [[bundt cake|bundt]]-type pan. It frequently contains raisins, [[succade]], or [[orangeat]], and may be iced on top. It is much sweeter than ''paska''. ''Babka'' usually is only made, like ''paska'', to celebrate Easter Sunday and the rising of Christ.
''Baba'' or ''babka'' is also a Ukrainian, Polish and [[wikipedia:Belarus|Belarus]]ian  bread also made at Easter<ref name="Davidson 2014">{{cite book|first1=Alan|last1=Davidson|title=The Oxford Companion to Food|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bIIeBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA50|publisher=OUP Oxford|date=21 August 2014|isbn=978-0-19-104072-6|via=Google Books}}</ref> (not to be confused with the Polish Jewish [[wikipedia:babka|babka]] bread). Rather than being broad and round, like ''paska'', ''babka'' typically is tall and cylindrical, often baked in [[wikipedia:bundt cake|bundt]]-type pan. It frequently contains raisins, [[wikipedia:succade|succade]], or [[wikipedia:orangeat|orangeat]], and may be iced on top. It is much sweeter than ''paska''. ''Babka'' usually is only made, like ''paska'', to celebrate Easter Sunday and the rising of Christ.


===Syrnyk===
===Syrnyk===
''Syrnyk'' is a quickbread with cheese (similar to a [[cheesecake]]) that in Russian Orthodox culture is often included in Easter food baskets which are taken to church to be blessed on Easter along with ham, sausages, relishes, chocolate, cheeses and other foods that were forbidden during Great Lent.  The [[quickbread]] dough is made with eggs and butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, honey, walnuts, almonds, candied orange peel, cream and cinnamon.<ref>{{cite book |last=Fieldhouse |first=Paul |title=The World Religions Cookbook |publisher=Greenwood Press |page=85}}</ref>
''Syrnyk'' is a quickbread with cheese (similar to a [[wikipedia:cheesecake|cheesecake]]) that in Russian Orthodox culture is often included in Easter food baskets which are taken to church to be blessed on Easter along with ham, sausages, relishes, chocolate, cheeses and other foods that were forbidden during Great Lent.  The [[wikipedia:quickbread|quickbread]] dough is made with eggs and butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, honey, walnuts, almonds, candied orange peel, cream and cinnamon.<ref>{{cite book |last=Fieldhouse |first=Paul |title=The World Religions Cookbook |publisher=Greenwood Press |page=85}}</ref>


==Germany==
==Germany==
[[Image:Aufgeschnittenes Osterbrot Hamburg 2.jpg|thumb|Easter bread as typically served in northern Germany for either breakfast or tea]]
[[wikipedia:Image:Aufgeschnittenes Osterbrot Hamburg 2.jpg|thumb|Easter bread as typically served in northern Germany for either breakfast or tea]]
During the weeks before Easter, special Easter bread is sold (in German: ''Osterbrot'', {{Audio|GT Osterbrot.ogg|listen}}). This is made with [[yeast]] dough, [[raisins]], and [[Almond#Culinary uses|almond splinters]]. Usually, it is cut in slices and spread with butter. People enjoy it either for breakfast or for tea time (in German: ''[[German cuisine#Structure of meals|Kaffee und Kuchen]]'', literally ″coffee and cake″).
During the weeks before Easter, special Easter bread is sold (in German: ''Osterbrot'', {{Audio|GT Osterbrot.ogg|listen}}). This is made with [[wikipedia:yeast|yeast]] dough, [[wikipedia:raisins|raisins]], and [[wikipedia:Almond#Culinary uses|almond splinters]]. Usually, it is cut in slices and spread with butter. People enjoy it either for breakfast or for tea time (in German: ''[[wikipedia:German cuisine#Structure of meals|Kaffee und Kuchen]]'', literally ″coffee and cake″).


==Netherlands==
==Netherlands==
{{see also|Kerststol}}
{{see also|Kerststol}}


The Dutch Easter bread is the so-called '[[Stollen|stol]]', a fruit bread with raisins and usually filled with [[almond paste]]. It is the same type of bread also eaten as a [[Christmas]] bread.
The Dutch Easter bread is the so-called '[[wikipedia:Stollen|stol]]', a fruit bread with raisins and usually filled with [[wikipedia:almond paste|almond paste]]. It is the same type of bread also eaten as a [[wikipedia:Christmas|Christmas]] bread.


==Italy==
==Italy==
===Central Italy===
===Central Italy===
The ''[[pizza di Pasqua]]'' ("Easter Pizza" in English) is a [[leaven]]ed savory cake typical of some areas [[central Italy]], based on [[wheat flour]], eggs, [[pecorino]] and [[parmesan]], traditionally served at breakfast on [[Easter]] morning, or as an appetizer during Easter lunch, accompanied by blessed [[boiled egg]]s, [[ciauscolo]] and red wine <ref name= AIFB>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aifb.it/cucina-delle-feste/la-cucina-delle-feste-la-crescia-di-formaggio-storia-e-ricette/|publisher=AIFB - Associazione italiana food blogger|title= La cucina delle feste: la crescia di formaggio|access-date=9 May 2019|language=it}}</ref> or, again, served at the [[Easter Monday]] picnic. Having the same shape as [[panettone]], the pizza di pasqua with cheese is a typical product of the [[Marche]] region, but also [[Umbria]]n (where, as a traditional food product, it obtained the [[Prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale|P.A.T.]] recognition). There is also a sweet variant, with [[candied fruit]]s or without, sugar and a ''fiocca'', that is a [[meringue]] [[Glaze (cooking technique)|glaze]] with sugar beads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.assisinews.it/ricette/torta-di-pasqua-dolce-pizza-umbra/|title=Torta di Pasqua dolce: la ricetta tipica della ‘pizza’ della colazione pasquale umbra|date=14 April 2019|publisher=assisi news|access-date=8 May 2019|language=it}}</ref>
The ''[[wikipedia:pizza di Pasqua|pizza di Pasqua]]'' ("Easter Pizza" in English) is a [[wikipedia:leaven|leaven]]ed savory cake typical of some areas [[wikipedia:central Italy|central Italy]], based on [[wikipedia:wheat flour|wheat flour]], eggs, [[wikipedia:pecorino|pecorino]] and [[wikipedia:parmesan|parmesan]], traditionally served at breakfast on [[wikipedia:Easter|Easter]] morning, or as an appetizer during Easter lunch, accompanied by blessed [[wikipedia:boiled egg|boiled egg]]s, [[wikipedia:ciauscolo|ciauscolo]] and red wine <ref name= AIFB>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aifb.it/cucina-delle-feste/la-cucina-delle-feste-la-crescia-di-formaggio-storia-e-ricette/|publisher=AIFB - Associazione italiana food blogger|title= La cucina delle feste: la crescia di formaggio|access-date=9 May 2019|language=it}}</ref> or, again, served at the [[wikipedia:Easter Monday|Easter Monday]] picnic. Having the same shape as [[wikipedia:panettone|panettone]], the pizza di pasqua with cheese is a typical product of the [[wikipedia:Marche|Marche]] region, but also [[wikipedia:Umbria|Umbria]]n (where, as a traditional food product, it obtained the [[wikipedia:Prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale|P.A.T.]] recognition). There is also a sweet variant, with [[wikipedia:candied fruit|candied fruit]]s or without, sugar and a ''fiocca'', that is a [[wikipedia:meringue|meringue]] [[wikipedia:Glaze (cooking technique)|glaze]] with sugar beads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.assisinews.it/ricette/torta-di-pasqua-dolce-pizza-umbra/|title=Torta di Pasqua dolce: la ricetta tipica della ‘pizza’ della colazione pasquale umbra|date=14 April 2019|publisher=assisi news|access-date=8 May 2019|language=it}}</ref>
According to [[religious tradition]], the pizza di pasqua should be prepared on [[Maundy Thursday]] or [[Good Friday]] to be eaten only at Easter, that is, at the end of the period of fasting and abstinence dictated by [[lent]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://destinazionefano.it/a-fano-pasqua-la-pizza-formaggio/|title=A Fano non é Pasqua senza la pizza al formaggio!|publisher=DestinationeFano|access-date=8 May 2019|language=it}}</ref> Once ready, then, it was customary to bring the pizza di pasqua to the church, so that it would be blessed together with the other foods to be consumed on Easter day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ildatterino.com/2018/03/31/il-datterino-di-artusi-pizza-di-pasqua-crescia-al-formaggio/|title=Pizza di Pasqua (Crescia al formaggio)|publisher=Il Datterino di Artusi|access-date=8 May 2019|language=it}}</ref>
According to [[wikipedia:religious tradition|religious tradition]], the pizza di pasqua should be prepared on [[wikipedia:Maundy Thursday|Maundy Thursday]] or [[wikipedia:Good Friday|Good Friday]] to be eaten only at Easter, that is, at the end of the period of fasting and abstinence dictated by [[wikipedia:lent|lent]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://destinazionefano.it/a-fano-pasqua-la-pizza-formaggio/|title=A Fano non é Pasqua senza la pizza al formaggio!|publisher=DestinationeFano|access-date=8 May 2019|language=it}}</ref> Once ready, then, it was customary to bring the pizza di pasqua to the church, so that it would be blessed together with the other foods to be consumed on Easter day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ildatterino.com/2018/03/31/il-datterino-di-artusi-pizza-di-pasqua-crescia-al-formaggio/|title=Pizza di Pasqua (Crescia al formaggio)|publisher=Il Datterino di Artusi|access-date=8 May 2019|language=it}}</ref>


===Sardinia===
===Sardinia===
In [[Sardinia|Sardinia, Italy]], bread is a part of a wide social context. It is the most important food in Sardinia, as well as all over Italy and the [[Mediterranean]]. "Bread is a nexus of economic, political, aesthetic, social, symbolic, and health concerns".<ref name=Counihan99>Counihan, Carole. The Anthropology of Food and Body: Gender, Meaning, and Power. New York: Routledge, 1999</ref>{{rp|29}} Bread is symbolic for life. A peasant proverb mentions, "Chie hat pane mai non morit&nbsp;— one who has bread never dies".<ref name=Counihan99/>{{rp|29}} The Easter holiday is one where bread brings itself into the symbolic realm. Bread is significant for religious purposes. Luisa Fois described bread in her life after she was married and for the Easter holiday. The bread was made into a cross to represent the crucifixion of [[Jesus Christ]]. Since they were married, they needed to eat it together. They would share their lives now,  and they must share their "cross" together (their life's burden) as well. "Bread was a product of their union, and its shared consumption reaffirmed their interdependence".<ref name=Counihan99/>{{rp|30}} From this we gather that bread also displays a message, rather than being an item purely for consumption and nutritional purposes. Two kinds of Easter bread are described in Counihans article. One contained two points, and an egg covered with a cross. "The egg and the points that recall birds in flight speak of fertility, sexuality, and procreation&nbsp;— basic themes in Easter and its pagan precursors".<ref name=Counihan99/>{{rp|41}} The second bread was designed to have no overall shape, but was rather baked to encircle an egg, with the initials ''BP'' put on it. The initials ''BP'' stand for ''buona Pasqua'' or "happy Easter". "Letters rather than forms express meaning. Letters are symbolic of civilization and ... meaning".<ref name=Counihan99/>{{rp|41}}
In [[wikipedia:Sardinia|Sardinia, Italy]], bread is a part of a wide social context. It is the most important food in Sardinia, as well as all over Italy and the [[wikipedia:Mediterranean|Mediterranean]]. "Bread is a nexus of economic, political, aesthetic, social, symbolic, and health concerns".<ref name=Counihan99>Counihan, Carole. The Anthropology of Food and Body: Gender, Meaning, and Power. New York: Routledge, 1999</ref>{{rp|29}} Bread is symbolic for life. A peasant proverb mentions, "Chie hat pane mai non morit&nbsp;— one who has bread never dies".<ref name=Counihan99/>{{rp|29}} The Easter holiday is one where bread brings itself into the symbolic realm. Bread is significant for religious purposes. Luisa Fois described bread in her life after she was married and for the Easter holiday. The bread was made into a cross to represent the crucifixion of [[wikipedia:Jesus Christ|Jesus Christ]]. Since they were married, they needed to eat it together. They would share their lives now,  and they must share their "cross" together (their life's burden) as well. "Bread was a product of their union, and its shared consumption reaffirmed their interdependence".<ref name=Counihan99/>{{rp|30}} From this we gather that bread also displays a message, rather than being an item purely for consumption and nutritional purposes. Two kinds of Easter bread are described in Counihans article. One contained two points, and an egg covered with a cross. "The egg and the points that recall birds in flight speak of fertility, sexuality, and procreation&nbsp;— basic themes in Easter and its pagan precursors".<ref name=Counihan99/>{{rp|41}} The second bread was designed to have no overall shape, but was rather baked to encircle an egg, with the initials ''BP'' put on it. The initials ''BP'' stand for ''buona Pasqua'' or "happy Easter". "Letters rather than forms express meaning. Letters are symbolic of civilization and ... meaning".<ref name=Counihan99/>{{rp|41}}


== Types ==
== Types ==
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! Name
! Name
! Native name
! Native name
! [[Cuisine]]
! [[wikipedia:Cuisine|Cuisine]]
! Reference
! Reference
|-
|-
! [[File:Martiniouk Paska.JPG|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Martiniouk Paska.JPG|center|130 px]]
| [[Paska (bread)|Paska]]
| [[wikipedia:Paska (bread)|Paska]]
| Паска<br/><br/>Paska<br/>პასკა
| Паска<br/><br/>Paska<br/>პასკა
| [[Ukrainian cuisine|Ukrainian]]<br/>[[Belarusian cuisine|Belarusian]]<br/>[[Slovak cuisine|Slovak]]<br/>[[Georgian cuisine|Georgian]]
| [[wikipedia:Ukrainian cuisine|Ukrainian]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Belarusian cuisine|Belarusian]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Slovak cuisine|Slovak]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Georgian cuisine|Georgian]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
! [[File:Kulich pies.JPG|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Kulich pies.JPG|center|130 px]]
| [[Kulich]]
| [[wikipedia:Kulich|Kulich]]
| Кулич
| Кулич
| [[Russian cuisine|Russian]]
| [[wikipedia:Russian cuisine|Russian]]
|
|
|-
|-
! [[File:Cozonac4.JPG|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Cozonac4.JPG|center|130 px]]
| [[Cozonac]]
| [[wikipedia:Cozonac|Cozonac]]
| Козунак
| Козунак
| [[Bulgarian cuisine|Bulgarian]]<br/>[[Macedonian cuisine|Macedonian]]<br/>[[Romanian cuisine|Romanian]]<br/>[[Moldovan cuisine|Moldovan]]
| [[wikipedia:Bulgarian cuisine|Bulgarian]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Macedonian cuisine|Macedonian]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Romanian cuisine|Romanian]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Moldovan cuisine|Moldovan]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
! [[File:Pască.jpg|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Pască.jpg|center|130 px]]
| [[Pască|Pasca]]
| [[wikipedia:Pască|Pasca]]
| Pască
| Pască
| [[Romanian cuisine|Romanian]]<br/>[[Moldovan cuisine|Moldovan]]
| [[wikipedia:Romanian cuisine|Romanian]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Moldovan cuisine|Moldovan]]
|
|
|-
|-
! [[File:Baba wielkanocna (Aw58).JPG|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Baba wielkanocna (Aw58).JPG|center|130 px]]
| [[Baba (cake)|Babka]]
| [[wikipedia:Baba (cake)|Babka]]
| Baba wielkanocna
| Baba wielkanocna
| [[Polish cuisine|Polish]]
| [[wikipedia:Polish cuisine|Polish]]
|
|
|-
|-
! [[File:Crkva na Ceru 039.jpg|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Crkva na Ceru 039.jpg|center|130 px]]
| [[Kalach (food)|Kalach]]
| [[wikipedia:Kalach (food)|Kalach]]
| Колач<br/>Fonott kalács
| Колач<br/>Fonott kalács
| [[Serbian cuisine|Serbian]]<br/>[[Hungarian cuisine|Hungarian]]
| [[wikipedia:Serbian cuisine|Serbian]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Hungarian cuisine|Hungarian]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
! [[File:Pinca 0410.jpg|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Pinca 0410.jpg|center|130 px]]
| [[Pinca]]
| [[wikipedia:Pinca|Pinca]]
| Pinca
| Pinca
| [[Croatian cuisine|Croatian]]<br/>[[Montenegrin cuisine|Montenegrin]]
| [[wikipedia:Croatian cuisine|Croatian]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Montenegrin cuisine|Montenegrin]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
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| Easter breads
| Easter breads
| Velikonocni kruhki
| Velikonocni kruhki
| [[Slovenian cuisine|Slovenian]]
| [[wikipedia:Slovenian cuisine|Slovenian]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
! [[File:Paskalya çöreği from Bulka Pastanesi.jpg|center|130px]]
! [[File:Paskalya çöreği from Bulka Pastanesi.jpg|center|130px]]
| [[Tsoureki]] <br />also called ''paskalya çöreği''
| [[wikipedia:Tsoureki|Tsoureki]] <br />also called ''paskalya çöreği''
| τσουρέκι<br/>չորեկ
| τσουρέκι<br/>չորեկ
| [[Greek cuisine|Greek]]<br/>[[Armenian cuisine|Armenian]]
| [[wikipedia:Greek cuisine|Greek]]<br/>[[wikipedia:Armenian cuisine|Armenian]]
|<ref>{{Cite book| publisher = Oxford Symposium| isbn = 978-0-907325-07-9| last = Davidson| first = Alan| title = National & Regional Styles of Cookery: Proceedings : Oxford Symposium 1981| date = 1981-01-01|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zcNdB_sl2JkC&pg=PA167}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite book| publisher = Oxford Symposium| isbn = 978-0-907325-07-9| last = Davidson| first = Alan| title = National & Regional Styles of Cookery: Proceedings : Oxford Symposium 1981| date = 1981-01-01|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zcNdB_sl2JkC&pg=PA167}}</ref>
|-
|-
! [[File:Hot cross buns from the store, Easter, April 2006.jpg|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Hot cross buns from the store, Easter, April 2006.jpg|center|130 px]]
| [[Hot cross bun]]
| [[wikipedia:Hot cross bun|Hot cross bun]]
|  
|  
| [[British cuisine|British]]
| [[wikipedia:British cuisine|British]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
! [[File:Nakrajeny mazanec (4).JPG|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Nakrajeny mazanec (4).JPG|center|130 px]]
| Mazanec
| Mazanec
| [[:cz:Mazanec|Mazanec]]
| [[wikipedia::cz:Mazanec|Mazanec]]
| [[Czech cuisine|Czech]]
| [[wikipedia:Czech cuisine|Czech]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
! [[File:2016 1221 Kerststol.jpg|center|130 px]]
! [[File:2016 1221 Kerststol.jpg|center|130 px]]
| [[Paasstol]]
| [[wikipedia:Paasstol|Paasstol]]
| Paasstol
| Paasstol
| [[Dutch cuisine|Dutch]]
| [[wikipedia:Dutch cuisine|Dutch]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
! [[File:Colomba pasquale, edizione 2013 - ND0 4662 (8564331585).jpg|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Colomba pasquale, edizione 2013 - ND0 4662 (8564331585).jpg|center|130 px]]
| [[Easter Dove]]
| [[wikipedia:Easter Dove|Easter Dove]]
| Colomba di Pasqua
| Colomba di Pasqua
| [[Italian cuisine|Italian]]
| [[wikipedia:Italian cuisine|Italian]]
|
|
|-
|-
! [[File:Easter cheese cake.JPG|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Easter cheese cake.JPG|center|130 px]]
| [[Pizza di Pasqua]]
| [[wikipedia:Pizza di Pasqua|Pizza di Pasqua]]
| Pizza di Pasqua
| Pizza di Pasqua
| [[Italian cuisine|Italian]]
| [[wikipedia:Italian cuisine|Italian]]
|
|
|-
|-
! [[File:Torta dolce.JPG|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Torta dolce.JPG|center|130 px]]
| [[Pizza di Pasqua#Sweet variant|Pizza di Pasqua (sweet variant)]]
| [[wikipedia:Pizza di Pasqua#Sweet variant|Pizza di Pasqua (sweet variant)]]
| Pizza di Pasqua (sweet variant)
| Pizza di Pasqua (sweet variant)
| [[Italian cuisine|Italian]]
| [[wikipedia:Italian cuisine|Italian]]
|
|
|-
|-
! [[File:Folar de Chaves (grande plano).jpg|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Folar de Chaves (grande plano).jpg|center|130 px]]
| [[Folar]]
| [[wikipedia:Folar|Folar]]
| Folar de pascoa
| Folar de pascoa
| [[Portuguese cuisine|Portuguese]]
| [[wikipedia:Portuguese cuisine|Portuguese]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
! [[File:Hornazo.jpg|center|130 px]]
! [[File:Hornazo.jpg|center|130 px]]
| [[Hornazo]]
| [[wikipedia:Hornazo|Hornazo]]
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Revision as of 10:17, September 12, 2021

Easter bread
German Osterbrot with raisins and almonds
TypeBread
Other informationPrepared for Easter

In many European countries, there are various traditions surrounding the use of bread during the Easter holidays. Traditionally the practice of eating Easter bread or sweetened "communion" bread traces its origin back to Byzantium and the Orthodox Christian church. The recipe for sweetened or "honey-leavened" bread may date back as far as the Homeric Greek period based on anecdotal evidence from classical texts that mention this type of special food. It is also widely known that sweetened bread desserts similar to panettone were a Roman favorite.

Bulgaria, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Poland

Kozunak, kulich, and paska

A Kozunak is the traditional Easter bread in Bulgaria, kulich is one of different traditional Russian paska Easter breads. Kolach is a traditional Czech bread made at Christmas in the shape of a ring. Usually, three rings are stack on top of each other to represent the Holy Trinity. Ukrainian Easter breads are also called paska, where often a rich, white bread is served and decorated on the top with symbols, including crosses, flowers, braids, wheat, or other designs representing aspects of Orthodox and Eastern Catholic faith.

Romania and Moldova also have a traditional Easter pastry called Pască (The term Pasca is "Easter" in the Eastern Orthodox faith, similar to Pâques in French. It is derived from the Hebrew pesah). The Romanian Pască is made with cheese (and may also include fruits, nuts, or chocolate for decoration). It is usually found alongside another traditional sweet bread which Romanians make for Easter and Christmas called Cozonac.[1]

Baba

Polish Easter bread "Babka wielkanocna"

Baba or babka is also a Ukrainian, Polish and Belarusian bread also made at Easter[2] (not to be confused with the Polish Jewish babka bread). Rather than being broad and round, like paska, babka typically is tall and cylindrical, often baked in bundt-type pan. It frequently contains raisins, succade, or orangeat, and may be iced on top. It is much sweeter than paska. Babka usually is only made, like paska, to celebrate Easter Sunday and the rising of Christ.

Syrnyk

Syrnyk is a quickbread with cheese (similar to a cheesecake) that in Russian Orthodox culture is often included in Easter food baskets which are taken to church to be blessed on Easter along with ham, sausages, relishes, chocolate, cheeses and other foods that were forbidden during Great Lent. The quickbread dough is made with eggs and butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, honey, walnuts, almonds, candied orange peel, cream and cinnamon.[3]

Germany

thumb|Easter bread as typically served in northern Germany for either breakfast or tea During the weeks before Easter, special Easter bread is sold (in German: Osterbrot, About this soundlisten ). This is made with yeast dough, raisins, and almond splinters. Usually, it is cut in slices and spread with butter. People enjoy it either for breakfast or for tea time (in German: Kaffee und Kuchen, literally ″coffee and cake″).

Netherlands

The Dutch Easter bread is the so-called 'stol', a fruit bread with raisins and usually filled with almond paste. It is the same type of bread also eaten as a Christmas bread.

Italy

Central Italy

The pizza di Pasqua ("Easter Pizza" in English) is a leavened savory cake typical of some areas central Italy, based on wheat flour, eggs, pecorino and parmesan, traditionally served at breakfast on Easter morning, or as an appetizer during Easter lunch, accompanied by blessed boiled eggs, ciauscolo and red wine [4] or, again, served at the Easter Monday picnic. Having the same shape as panettone, the pizza di pasqua with cheese is a typical product of the Marche region, but also Umbrian (where, as a traditional food product, it obtained the P.A.T. recognition). There is also a sweet variant, with candied fruits or without, sugar and a fiocca, that is a meringue glaze with sugar beads.[5] According to religious tradition, the pizza di pasqua should be prepared on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday to be eaten only at Easter, that is, at the end of the period of fasting and abstinence dictated by lent.[6] Once ready, then, it was customary to bring the pizza di pasqua to the church, so that it would be blessed together with the other foods to be consumed on Easter day.[7]

Sardinia

In Sardinia, Italy, bread is a part of a wide social context. It is the most important food in Sardinia, as well as all over Italy and the Mediterranean. "Bread is a nexus of economic, political, aesthetic, social, symbolic, and health concerns".[8]<span title="Script error: No such module "DecodeEncode".">

Bread is symbolic for life. A peasant proverb mentions, "Chie hat pane mai non morit — one who has bread never dies".[8]<span title="Script error: No such module "DecodeEncode".">
The Easter holiday is one where bread brings itself into the symbolic realm. Bread is significant for religious purposes. Luisa Fois described bread in her life after she was married and for the Easter holiday. The bread was made into a cross to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Since they were married, they needed to eat it together. They would share their lives now, and they must share their "cross" together (their life's burden) as well. "Bread was a product of their union, and its shared consumption reaffirmed their interdependence".[8]<span title="Script error: No such module "DecodeEncode".">
From this we gather that bread also displays a message, rather than being an item purely for consumption and nutritional purposes. Two kinds of Easter bread are described in Counihans article. One contained two points, and an egg covered with a cross. "The egg and the points that recall birds in flight speak of fertility, sexuality, and procreation — basic themes in Easter and its pagan precursors".[8]<span title="Script error: No such module "DecodeEncode".">
The second bread was designed to have no overall shape, but was rather baked to encircle an egg, with the initials BP put on it. The initials BP stand for buona Pasqua or "happy Easter". "Letters rather than forms express meaning. Letters are symbolic of civilization and ... meaning".[8]<span title="Script error: No such module "DecodeEncode".">

Types

Image Name Native name Cuisine Reference
Paska Паска

Paska
პასკა
Ukrainian
Belarusian
Slovak
Georgian
Kulich Кулич Russian
Cozonac Козунак Bulgarian
Macedonian
Romanian
Moldovan
Pasca Pască Romanian
Moldovan
Babka Baba wielkanocna Polish
Kalach Колач
Fonott kalács
Serbian
Hungarian
Pinca Pinca Croatian
Montenegrin
Easter breads Velikonocni kruhki Slovenian
Tsoureki
also called paskalya çöreği
τσουρέκι
չորեկ
Greek
Armenian
[9]
Hot cross bun British
Mazanec Mazanec Czech
Paasstol Paasstol Dutch
Easter Dove Colomba di Pasqua Italian
Pizza di Pasqua Pizza di Pasqua Italian
Pizza di Pasqua (sweet variant) Pizza di Pasqua (sweet variant) Italian
Folar Folar de pascoa Portuguese
Hornazo Hornazo Spanish
Easter Bread Osterbrot German

References

  1. "Pasca–Romanian Easter Bread with Cheese and fruits". Archived from the original on 2012-09-17.
  2. Davidson, Alan (21 August 2014). The Oxford Companion to Food. OUP Oxford. ISBN 978-0-19-104072-6 – via Google Books.
  3. Fieldhouse, Paul. The World Religions Cookbook. Greenwood Press. p. 85.
  4. "La cucina delle feste: la crescia di formaggio" (in Italian). AIFB - Associazione italiana food blogger. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  5. "Torta di Pasqua dolce: la ricetta tipica della 'pizza' della colazione pasquale umbra" (in Italian). assisi news. 14 April 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  6. "A Fano non é Pasqua senza la pizza al formaggio!" (in Italian). DestinationeFano. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  7. "Pizza di Pasqua (Crescia al formaggio)" (in Italian). Il Datterino di Artusi. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Counihan, Carole. The Anthropology of Food and Body: Gender, Meaning, and Power. New York: Routledge, 1999
  9. Davidson, Alan (1981-01-01). National & Regional Styles of Cookery: Proceedings : Oxford Symposium 1981. Oxford Symposium. ISBN 978-0-907325-07-9.

External links