Koliva

Koliva (kolyva, koljivo, kolivo) is a traditional dish consumed mainly during different ceremonies in the Eastern Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Churches. It is important part of death related traditions, the Lent, slavas and Christmas. Its main ingredients are boiled wheat kernels. Koliva also includes honey, sugar, almonds, walnuts, cinnamon, sesame seeds, raisins etc. It is a very old dish. Some experts claim that it has been prepared since the time of Ancient Greeks.

Koliva that is prepared after death of certain individual is shaped in the form of grave. It is covered with some powdered sugar. The initials of the deceased are drawn on top of the cake. After the religious ceremony it is shared among those present. They say “May God forgive him (her)”.