Russian proverb
The holiday was established in 2006 at the initiative of the International Union of Bakers and Pastry Bakers. And the choice of the date is due to the fact that on October 16, 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was created, which was engaged in solving problems in the development of agriculture and its production. By the way, another holiday is timed to the same event -.
Today, as at all times, in any country of the world they enjoy unchanging love. Even now, when many adhere to different diets, replacing bread with low-calorie crispbreads, biscuits or crackers. People of different nationalities have always treated bread and their breadwinner with care and concern. He was given the most honorable place on the table, he was and remains a symbol of life. And in the old days bread was also the main sign of prosperity in the family and well-being in the house. After all, it is not for nothing that there are so many sayings about him: “Bread is the head of everything,” “Without salt, without bread – half a meal”, “Without bread and honey you will not be full” and others.
By the way, the history of bread goes back several millennia. According to scientific research, the first bread products appeared about 8 thousand years ago. Outwardly, they looked like flat cakes, prepared from cereals and water and baked on hot stones. The first yeast bread was learned to make in Egypt. Even then, bread was considered a breadwinner and was associated with the sun and was even designated with it (in early writing) by one symbol – a circle with a dot in the center.
Moreover, in the old days, white bread was consumed mainly by people from the upper class, and black and gray (because of its color) bread was considered the food of the poor. Only in the 20th century, having learned about the benefits and nutritional value of rye and grain bread, did it become more popular.
I must say that in Russia this product has been treated with care and love from time immemorial, praising the fertile land that gives the main food, and Russian baking traditions have long roots. This process was considered a sacrament and was really difficult. Before kneading the dough, the hostess always prayed and generally approached the process of kneading the dough in a good mood, singing soulful songs. All this time in the house it was forbidden to talk loudly, swear and slam doors, and before sending the loaf to the stove, a cross was made over it. Even now, in Christian churches, parishioners receive communion with wine and bread, the young are met on the doorstep by their parents with a loaf and salt, and when sending their relatives on a long journey, loving people always give the leaving crumb of bread with them.
Although today many traditions have been forgotten, the true love for bread, of course, has survived. As well as preserved respect for him. After all, he accompanies us from birth to ripe old age. But before the bread gets on the table, it goes a long way (from growing grain, harvesting to the production of flour and the product itself), many workers and equipment are involved. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that bread has its own holiday.
By the way, many holidays are dedicated to bread, and each nation has its own. In Russia, in addition to today, they also celebrate (among the people this holiday is called the Bread or Nut Savior), which symbolizes the completion of the harvest. Earlier, on this day, bread was baked from wheat of the new harvest, illuminated and consumed by the whole family. There was also a saying for this day: “The third saved – there is bread in store.” And in February, Russia celebrated the Day of Bread and Salt, when they consecrated a loaf of bread and a salt shaker as symbols of the hearth and preserved them throughout the year as talismans protecting the house from misfortunes: fire, pestilence, etc.
Today’s holiday – World Bread Day – is both a professional holiday for workers in this industry, and, of course, a tribute to the product, when all professionals associated with the production of bread are honored, and the bread itself. In addition, this is another reason to draw the attention of the general public to the problems of hunger, poverty and malnutrition in the world.
Therefore, traditionally, on World Bread Day, many countries host various exhibitions of bread products, meetings of culinary experts, bakers and confectioners, fairs, master classes, folk festivals, as well as free distribution of bread to all those in need, charity events and much more. Everyone can not only taste different varieties and types of bread and bakery products, but also learn about how bread appeared, its history and traditions, what it is made of, where it grew, how it is baked, etc. On this festive and bright day for all mankind, bakers from all over the world accept congratulations and gratitude in a difficult and responsible business – baking delicious, aromatic and healthy bread.
Take part in this truly national holiday. Maybe this will help you to take a fresh look at our daily BREAD. Happy holiday to everyone – who is bread, and who puts strength and soul into its creation!