The tradition of koliva is one of the oldest in the Orthodox Church. It is a dish served mainly during memorial services and Parental Saturdays, in order to make an offering and honor the memory of the deceased. The custom has been preserved, with minor variations, since ancient Greece and the times of early Christianity. It is associated with the hope of resurrection and honoring the memory of the departed. Below we will discuss the historical origins, symbolism and process of making koliva..jpg)
Origins
The tradition has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman religious practices. Ιn ancient times, wheat, as one of the most important goods available to man, was often offered to the gods. Through the Christian tradition it acquired a new symbolism and it was transfused with a deep theological meaning. The custom was integrated into Orthodox worship practices and crystallized as a symbol of the resurrection of the dead. Koliva is more than just a traditional delicacy. It is a reference to the immortality of the soul.
The word “koliva” derives from the ancient Greek “kollybos” (κόλλυβος), which originally meant "a small coin", and later in the neuter plural form "small pies made of boiled wheat".
During the pagan festival of the Anthesteria, ancient Greeks used to distribute a mixture of cooked seeds and nuts in honor of their dead. Thus, the association of wheat with the memory of the dead predates the spread of Christianity. In the early years of the new religion, coins, among other things, were distributed as alms. In the process, Ancient Greek and Orthodox Christian traditions helped to shape the custom as we know it today.
Theological Interpretation
Koliva is made of boiled wheat, symbolizing the body of the deceased. Just as they boil and wither, so every human being is worn out during his or her life, succumbing to the laws that govern mortal existence. On the other hand, wheat is a precious grain that, when sown in the earth, multiplies and nourishes man throughout his life. It thus symbolizes sacrifice and obedience, which then bears great spiritual fruit. Koliva represent the hope of resurrection..jpg)
Christ compared himself to the wheat:
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (Jn 12:24).
He was sacrificed like a grain of wheat to sow faith in the hearts of men.
As the main ingredient of koliva, wheat symbolizes the life that comes after death, as the planted seed of wheat, by "dying", gives new life by sprouting. This cycle of life and death is the foundation of the Orthodox Christian religion and the eschatological perspective of the Christian doctrine.
Ingredients and Symbolism
It is often claimed that the ingredients from which koliva is made should be nine, as many as the ranks of the Angels. Each ingredient has its own symbolism, specifically:
- Wheat symbolizes life and resurrection, as the process of sowing and germination represents the hope of resurrection and eternal life
- Breadcrumbs or flour symbolize the light soil covering the body of the deceased
- Sugar symbolizes the sweetness of Paradise and the hope that the deceased will rest in peace
- Pomegranate is used for the adornment of koliva and is considered to be a symbol of the well-being of the dead, while the many small seeds of the fruit represent the community of the living and the deceased who remain united in the presence of Jesus Christ
- Raisins represent Christ who is the True Vine
- Walnuts and almonds symbolize diversity of life and rebirth. They are also considered a sign of blessing
- Cinnamon and other spices give fragrance, which symbolizes the fragrance of the Christian spiritual life and the blessing that accompanies it at the time of one's death
- Parsley (or spearmint) is a blessing for the repose of the deceased in the Garden of Eden
- A cross made with sugar or white candy is usually formed on the surface of the plate, symbolizing the victory of life over death and the hope of resurrection
How Do We Decorate Koliva?
As mentioned above, koliva can be decorated in various ways. Believers treats the ingredients as they wish, expressing sincere faith, devotion and respect for the traditions of the Church. Thus, within a certain religious context, the surface of the plate may be decorated with various symbols and designs..jpg)
The most common is the symbol of the cross, created with raisins, almonds, nuts, etc. And for more elaborate decoration there are seals for koliva, which help to form the image of the cross or a particular saint, the Mother of God, Jesus Christ, etc.
When Do We Give Out Koliva?
Koliva is offered during memorial services and Parental Saturdays. At the memorial service this dish is contributed as an offering and to honor a specific person, while during Parental Saturdays it is offered as a gift and prayer for the souls of all the departed, both known and unknown.
Koliva in Folk Tradition
The preparation of koliva is done with great reverence and is accompanied by prayer. It usually starts with boiling the wheat, which is then dried and mixed with the other ingredients. In many areas of Greece, people gather to make koliva together, supporting the grieving family and praying together for the soul of the deceased.
Finally, koliva is offered to the church, where the priest blesses it, asking for the repose of the souls and the forgiveness of the sins of those who are no longer with us. At the end of the memorial service, koliva is distributed to the faithful.
Koliva is a form of offering and blessing. The preparation process is an opportunity for people to express their love for their departed beloved ones and their faith in eternal life. This way, they also keep the memory of the dead alive. With this custom, our Church recalls the meaning of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life, bridging the present with the eternity and the faith in the salvation of man.
