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Personal cabinetThe baking technology of the traditional korovai: from craft to art – the transformation of tradition in the modern era
Bibliographic description of the article for the citation:
Kliuiko Oksana. The baking technology of the traditional korovai: from craft to art – the transformation of tradition in the modern era//Science online: International Scientific e-zine - 2025. - №4. - https://nauka-online.com/en/publications/culturology/2025/4/15-13/
Annotation: This article explores the evolution of the baking technology of the Ukrainian korovai, tracing its transformation from an archaic craft practice to a contemporary form of culinary and cultural expression. The korovai is examined as an element of intangible cultural heritage, preserving ritual functions, symbolic meanings, and artistic value. Its traditional preparation includes sacralized stages of kneading, fermentation, decoration, and baking—each of which has undergone adaptation in the context of urbanization and technological advancement. The aim of this study is to analyze which elements of the korovai-making process have been preserved and which have been transformed through the integration of new ingredients, forms, and tools. The research is based on comparative historical analysis, ethnographic observation, and content analysis of five verified Ukrainian sources. Particular attention is given to the role of flour quality, the freshness and origin of eggs, the type of leavening agent, the temperature regime, and the nature of the oven—from traditional clay ovens to modern electric ones. The study highlights how fermentation critically influences the bread’s texture and aroma, anchoring the cultural identity of its flavor. The findings suggest a high degree of resilience within the tradition, allowing for the preservation of ritual semantics even when modern technological solutions are applied. The korovai continues to fulfill not only a sacred and aesthetic purpose but also a unifying socio-cultural role, especially in the context of intergenerational continuity. This article is intended for ethnographers, cultural scholars, researchers of gastronomic heritage, artisans and educators in traditional crafts, as well as professionals in cultural policy and intangible heritage preservation.