The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

UKRAINIAN BLESSING OF FRUIT

THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION ON AUGUST 6 IS CELEBRATED
IN THE BYZANTINE CHURCH WITH THE BLESSING OF FRUIT WHICH IS
AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE PLENTIFUL HARVEST. FOLLOWING
THE MASS, THE PRIEST READS SPECIAL PRAYERS ASKING FOR A
BLESSING ON THOSE WHO PARTAKE OF THE FRUIT. HE THEN SPRINKLES
THE FRUIT WITH HOLY WATER. THE CUSTOM OF BRINGING THE FRUIT
VARIES WITH THE PARISHES. IN SOME PARISHES, THE PARISH BUYS
BUSHELS OF FRUIT AND FOLLOWING THE BLESSING IT IS DISTRIBUTED
TO THE PARISHONERS. IN OTHER PARISHES, EACH FAMILY BRINGS
A BASKET OR DISH OF FRUIT WHICH IS TAKEN HOME FOLLOWING THE
BLESSING.

Submitter comment: THE BLESSED FRUIT IS THE FIRST FOOD EATEN WHEN THE FAMILY
RETURNS HOME.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER

Date learned: 00001950S

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