Origins and Historical Background
The tradition of baking sweet bread for Easter in Russia can be traced back several centuries, with roots intertwined in both religious observance and Slavic folk customs. Kulich’s origins are linked to ancient bread-baking rituals that predate Christianity, where bread was often seen as a sacred gift from the earth and a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
With the Christianization of Kievan Rus' in the 10th century, many pagan rituals were absorbed and transformed into Orthodox Christian traditions. Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, became the most significant celebration of the liturgical year. The Kulich bread evolved into a sacred food, representing the body of Christ and the sweetness of eternal life.
By the Middle Ages, Kulich had become firmly established as a traditional Easter bread in Russia. The tall cylindrical shape is said to symbolize the church steeples or the tomb of Christ, while its rich, sweet ingredients reflect the joy and abundance of the resurrection feast.
Ingredients and Symbolism
Kulich is made from a rich yeast dough, often flavored with citrus zest, vanilla, and cardamom, and studded with dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and candied orange peel. Butter, eggs, and sugar create a dense but tender crumb, symbolizing richness and celebration after the long Lenten fast.
The bread is traditionally baked in tall cylindrical molds, sometimes reused from spring molds or even specially crafted tins, to give it its distinctive shape. Once baked and cooled, Kulich is glazed with a sugary white icing or simple sugar glaze, sometimes decorated with colorful sprinkles or nuts.
On top of the Kulich, it is customary to pipe the letters ХВ (pronounced "Kha-Veh"), which stand for "Христос Воскрес" ("Christ is Risen") in Church Slavonic, underscoring the bread’s sacred significance. shutdown123