How to treat bread: the most common signs

Over the centuries, various beliefs have arisen that warn against negligence and mishandling of bread. SSPDaily has prepared an article about these traditions.

Breaking bread with your hands

One of the ancient customs says that breaking bread during the holidays is undesirable. Ever since the days when belief in deities such as Perun, Dazhdbog, and Yarilo was widespread, it was believed that those who hastily break bread break their fate. In addition, if you throw away bread, it attracts misfortune, illness, and poverty to your family.

Cutting bread

The duty of cutting bread in the house was assigned to men. Even on ordinary days, not to mention such solemn events as church holidays, women were not allowed to do this work. The ceremonial loaf was of particular importance. It was considered necessary to cut it exclusively with a special knife. The owner of the house, dressed in a festive shirt, would take a freshly sharpened knife in his right hand and start cutting the bread, starting from the "head," that is, from the raised part of the loaf.

In some places, there was a custom that before cutting bread for guests, children, and residents of the house, the owner had to go outside barefoot at dawn, standing directly under the rays of the rising sun. Then they had to run barefoot on the dewy ground. Only after this, so to speak, communion with nature, did they begin to cut the loaf. This ritual supposedly ensured longevity and good health for everyone who ate at least one piece of bread before sunset.

Additional recommendations on how to handle bread properly

• Do not buy excessive quantities of bread in advance to avoid unnecessary expenses and to preserve its freshness.
• Do not store bread in plastic bags. Instead, use a designated bread box or place it in a bowl lined with a clean cloth napkin.
• Do not cut off more pieces from the loaf or roll than you need at the time.