Fedir Shandor on trends of Transcarpathian Easter

Public figure, Professor of UzhNU, tourism expert Fedir Shandor spoke about Easter traditions of Transcarpathia. The well-known Transcarpathian told about living old customs and new trends.

"Speaking about Transcarpathian traditions, we must divide the region into zones: the mountain "Hutsul" zone, Hungarian – Catholic and Protestant zone, and of course urban zone where old folk traditions are not well preserved. In each group, Easter celebrations have their own features, but also, of course, very much in common.

Clearly, there are new trends. Notably, Transcarpathian young people go to church on Easter, often this is the only time of the year they do it ("Every time I come to church it’s Easter").

Another trend is Americanization of the basket: from chocolate bunnies and birds to "Kinders". It also influenced the design of the basket itself, e.g. use of bright colors. There is aslo the consecration of unusual food for the traditional Easter basket, such as bananas. This is, strictly speaking, a violation of traditions, but it is a utilitarian point, and the church must follow.

Despite the trend of Americanization and a great likelihood of baskets even from Tesco, rather than Iza, Shandor predicts that there will be a lot of truly beautiful items: "really good, nice, fine baskets in traditional and eco-style – without artificial flowers and plastic "decorations".

For Fedir Shandor himself, Easter is a good opportunity to stop and think about important things: "At the service, I always focus on the most important things, and it is a special moment for me." The Shandor family are Greek Catholics and go to church in the evening. And this year, they are looking forward to seeing the youngest Tetyana singing in the church choir.       

"Our basket is not big, because all consecrated food should be eaten, and it is a sin to throw it away. There is also a place for a wax candle in the basket, which is then kept in the house for the entire year. There is a tradition that if someone in the family is sick, we light the candle, sprinkle the wax around and put it out in a corner of the room." "It is an old tradition of Transcarpathian women" – Shandor says.

The Shandor family bring Easter eggs to church, but not many "because consecrated food must be treated with special respect, for example, egg shells are not thrown away, but are burnt or buried." Easter eggs in the family are always presented to children. Fedir himself has extensive experience in Easter egg making, and every year organizes the campaign "Easter eggs for Andy," which aims to "give new life to the Easter egg."  

Fedir Shandor also confirmed the tradition of trying to be the first to return home from the service (sometimes people even race each other): "It is believed that whoever is the first to come home with a consecrated cake will be successful, happy and wealthy. Which I wish all Transcarpathians to be! Happy Easter!"