Orthodox Easter in 2026 falls on April 12, and Catholic Easter on April 5. Traditionally, Ukrainians prepare for the holiday in advance: they bake Easter cakes and dye eggs. At the same time, there are established days that are considered the most appropriate for these preparations.
As explained by the priest of the OCU, theologian Ivan Petrushchak, the best time to bake Easter cakes is Maundy Thursday, which in 2026 falls on April 9. It is on this day that it is customary to put the house in order and prepare Easter pastries.
If you were unable to do this on Thursday, you are allowed to bake Easter cakes on Holy Saturday — this year, it is April 11.
Before cooking, it is traditionally advised to pray. The simplest prayer is “Our Father.” You can also turn to God in your own words, asking for blessings for a good deed.
The priest notes that there are no strict prohibitions on who can bake Easter cakes. Despite widespread popular superstitions about menstruation or pregnancy, the church does not prohibit women from cooking during this period. The main thing is to focus on your own condition and capabilities.
It is also important to observe moderation: consecrated Easter bread should not be thrown away or given to animals. If the product has spoiled, it should be burned or buried.
As for the Easter eggs, they are painted on the same days - Maundy Thursday or Holy Saturday. The most traditional color remains red, which symbolizes the Resurrection of Christ. According to church tradition, the egg turned red in the hands of Mary Magdalene after she spoke about the Resurrection.
At the same time, the color white, which symbolizes purity, light, and joy, has been gaining popularity recently.
Thus, preparing for Easter is not only a culinary process, but also a spiritual practice that involves prayer, gratitude, and observance of traditions.
Previously, we also wrote about folk signs for Easter and what the weather and traditions portend . In particular, according to beliefs, if the snow melts completely before the holiday, the year promises to be fruitful, and good weather for Easter is considered a good sign for the economy. Against this background, preparations for the holiday - from baking Easter cakes to dyeing eggs - are perceived not only as a tradition, but also as part of ancient beliefs that were supposed to "program" well-being and luck for the whole year.
