A Ukrainian Welcome With Bread and Salt
If you’ve ever been welcomed into a Ukrainian home, you may have been greeted with a loaf of bread and a small dish of salt. This simple but meaningful custom is a longstanding tradition in Ukraine, dating back centuries. In fact, it is said that bread and salt have been the staples of the Ukrainian diet for over a thousand years.
This blog post will explore the origins and significance of this important Ukrainian custom, whilst also detailing some of the modern twists on this ancient tradition. Whether you are of Ukrainian heritage or simply curious about other cultures, you won’t want to miss this fascinating look at a time-honoured tradition. Let’s take a look at the meaning behind a Ukrainian welcome with bread and salt.
Bread and Salt
Хліб-сіль
Ukrainians offer bread and salt (хліб-сіль) to guests as a sign of deep respect, hospitality and goodwill. Typically, the gift will be wrapped in a traditional embroidered cloth known as a rushnyk (рушник), and is often accompanied by well wishes.
Bread is one of the staple dishes in Ukraine, and signifies prosperity and life. Together, the bread and salt represent eternity. Bread is a long lasting food; it can be kept for some time and still remain edible. Similarly, salt cannot disappear. Even when dissolved in water, it retains its taste.
This ritual is not only to greet visitors. Bread and salt is also offered to those moving into a new house, and plays an important role in traditional Ukrainian weddings to wish the couple a long and happy life.
The History
Історія
For centuries bread has been a staple dish in Ukrainian culture, and accompanies most Ukrainian dishes. No important Ukrainian event will take place without the presence of bread, as it literally accompanies Ukrainians from the beginning of their lives to the end. For example, bread and salt is gifted to newly married couples, to those moving into their house, to congratulate on the birth of a child, to welcome guests, and when someone is laid to rest.
This traditional custom dates back hundreds of years. On the first day of sowing, bread and salt were put on the rushnyk and placed near the edge of the field to bring a bountiful harvest. For more information on the importance of bread in Ukrainian culture, you can view our blog post here.
Famous Meetings
Відомі зустрічі
Several well-known figures in modern society have received a traditional Ukrainian welcome with bread and salt. Joe Biden was met with the traditional greeting in Kyiv, as was the Princess of Wales upon her visit to Reading Ukrainian Community Centre to meet with Ukrainian refugees.
Have you ever received a traditional Ukrainian welcome of bread and salt?
Let us know in the comments below!
