What is the kalach?
Kalach is a kind of Slavic bread made and consumed in several European countries such as Hungary, Russia and Ukraine. The appearance and shape of the bread may vary depending on the ground, but the bread almost always has a round shape. The Polish version of the bread can have a simple round shape with or without a hole in the middle. However, the Ukrainian version is particularly characterized by its round "knit" in the middle. Kalach is also known as "Koloch" or "Kolochi" in its plural. The bread was considered a usual part of everyday meals and festivities, whether for the rich or poor. According to Russian accounts, Tzars or Monarchs would send Kolochi to Church Clergies as a sign of respect and welcome, and Would also gives a intended servant a coin to buy his own piece of car and bring carcasi to recipients. In the Ukrainian tradition, bread, along with some salt, is offered to guests who take a small piece and immerse it in salt.
Kalacha components are commonly used in the production of any other bread, such as flour, eggs, oil and yeast. Some sugar and salt are added for some taste, as well as some milk for softer texture. Once all ingredients are moved, the dough is usually set aside to rest so that yeasts can let the dough rise and expand to double their initial size. For the Ukrainian "knit" kalach, the dough is divided into three rope pieces that will be a loop and knit together. Three dough ropes also have religious importance because they represent the Holy Trinity.
Once the ropes are tangled together, the bread created will be left to Rise again, so it will expand before it is brushed by an egg to create a glazed look. Poppy seeds or sesame can be sprinkled at the top for final decoration. Bakers usually know that the kalach is cooked if it sounds hollow with light tapping.
On Christmas Eve, Ukrainian households usually have on their ownThe tables three pieces of carcasses collected on the other side, with an illuminated candle inserted in the hole. Kalach's symbolism of eternity also makes it an important part of the funeral ceremonies, as Christians believe in the afterlife. Kalach is usually placed near the thoracic area of the dead person before burial to give his soul some food while traveling after the posthumous life.