Special: How to Make Kolyva

Nine Ingredients Koliva are made with 9 ingredients, symbolizing the nine angelic orders. Each ingredient in turn has its own symbolism. 1. Wheat: The main ingredient of koliva is boiled wheat, which symbolizes the resurrection. Each wheat kernel is a seed, which if planted, would grow into a plant, just like we are planted for the resurrection in our funeral service. 2. Pomegranate: The pomegranate symbolizes the mercies and splendor of Paradise. 3. Sugar: The inclusion of sugar reveals the sweetness of Paradise. Sugar should not be included in the mixture itself as it melts and hardens the wheat kernels. 4. Raisins: Raisins represent the Vine that is Jesus Christ. 5. Parsley: Parsley symbolizes the soul’s rest "in a place of green pasture". 6. Breadcrumbs and/or sesame seeds: These ingredients represent the soil. 7. Cinnamon: Cinnamon indicates the fragrance of the various scents used in burial ("…laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid…”). 8. Almonds and Walnuts: Nuts symbolize fertility – that life is perpetuated with offspring. 9. Silver and white sugared-almonds: The final ingredient is the silver and white sugared-almonds that symbolize the unaltered bones after the wear and tear of the body. Mount Athos Recipe for Koliva ½ kg of whole wheat kernels 2 tablespoons of crushed walnuts 1 tablespoon of peeled and slivered almonds 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds roasted 1/2 tablespoon pomegranate seeds 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon raisins 1 tablespoon of sugar (including sugar in the mixture may create moisture and harden the wheat kernels) 1 tablespoon toasted breadcrumbs For the coating: breadcrumbs, powdered sugar and cinnamon Instructions: Light your oil lamp and incense burner and pray for the departed. Go through the wheat kernels ensuring there are no unwanted materials (stones, etc.). Boil the wheat, in salted water so that it swells and splits without becoming mushy. Strain the wheat and spread it on a clean towel to drain. Cover with another towel and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. Soak the raisins, toast the nuts and sesame seeds, etc. On the day you wish to bring the koliva to church, place all ingredients (except for the coating ingredients) in a bowl and mix well. Place mixture on a platter, in the form of a cross and then in a mound, pressing the mixture with your hands and/or a baking paper. Cover the mixture with an even layer of breadcrumbs, pressing down with your hands, firmly and evenly. The breadcrumbs prevent the powdered sugar from melting. Cover the entire surface with an even layer of powdered sugar. Press again with baking paper or a paper napkin and then finish with a final even dusting of icing sugar. Decorate as desired, using sugared almonds, silver dragees, almonds, pomegranate seeds etc. A cross and the initials of the departed are usually included in the decoration if the koliva are for a memorial. If it is for the celebration of a saint, create the form of the saint with cinnamon or natural colors.