Orthodox Easter Monday, often referred to as 'Bright Monday', is a public holiday in Ukraine. It is celebrated on the day after the Orthodox Easter Sunday which calendar date differs from the Western churches due to the distinct usage of Julian calendar by the Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Church's Easter period is full of rich, centuries-old traditions and rituals, of which this day is a part.
In the spirit of the holiday, Ukrainians come together to share delicious meals and spend quality time with family and friends. Many participate in church services and processions. One of the common practices on Easter Monday is the exchanging of Easter eggs, known as 'Pysanky'. These are beautifully hand-painted eggs that symbolize rebirth, a key theme of the Easter period.
Orthodox Easter Monday also serves as a time for Ukrainians to remember and honour the dead. On this day, people usually visit the cemeteries and graves of their loved ones to light candles and say prayers. These visits are not viewed as mournful but rather as a time for celebrating and remembering the lives of those passed. Regardless of the many traditions, the real essence of this holiday in Ukraine is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the victory of life over death.