Ukrainian Wedding Bread - Korovai

Ukrainian Wedding Bread, traditionally known as Korovai, symbolizes community and the circle of life.  It would be given to the bride and groom as a blessing before the wedding, and shared by all of the wedding guests.

The bread is sweeter than most Ukrainian breads, however it does incorporate some familiar designs, such as the braiding of the bread.  It stands apart with intrinsic details and decorations.  The two doves represent the couple, while the other birds represent friends and family.  Flags, suns, moons, hearts, flowers, and leaves are just some of the details that can be added.  Since there is no set design, Korovai can be used to reflect the wishes of the couples.

In parts of Canada, especially British Columbia, Cheryl learned that the art of making korovai is a dying art.  For her eldest daughter’s wedding in 2008, she was hard-pressed to find someone who could make one.   Cheryl attended a korovai workshop at the Ukrainian Museum in New York, and working from the knowledge gleaned there and faded photographs from her own wedding, she decided to make her own korovai - a process that proved interesting but time consuming.  After months of “failed” bread braiding attempts (eagerly consumed by friends and family of course), she finally succeeded in perfecting the technique and recipe.

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If you are interested in purchasing a Korovai for your, or a loved one’s, wedding, please contact Cheryl for more information at:

candrichuk (at) telus (dot) net

The fee will vary depending on detail and size.