Ugly or Ash Wednesday: Meaning, Foods, Superstitions

Ugly Wednesday is sometimes referred to as Mocking Wednesday, Black Wednesday or Careless Wednesday… The names arose primarily in response to the fact that it was a day when chimneys swept away soot and also of evil spirits. But not only that, he was also Skaredá because Jesus was betrayed by Judas for thirty pieces of silver on this day.

So while it might make sense to be “ugly,” tradition recommends the opposite—you should laugh and be merry, as the mood of the day is said to carry on every other Wednesday into the following year. So you can talk a little more, but putting on a straight smile would definitely be a better option.

Although our ancestors clearly enjoyed being ugly – they even “enhanced” their food to make it look ugly. The classic dish was potato pancakes, which, however, has torn itself to pieces so that it really does not look less attractive. In addition, this day was the beginning of a three-day fast, during which a lot of peas and lentils were eaten.

Cleaning during Ugly Wednesday was supposed to be thorough, removing all dirt from the house and soot from the chimney, but it also had a symbolic meaning – it was supposed to drive away all evil, including ghosts and winter darkness. Not only cleaning was done in the house, the housekeeper was responsible for it. The farmers were in charge of the yard and the stables.

So that the housewives did not seem bored while cleaning, they baked Judas, that is, pastries resembling the noose on which Judas hanged himself. Today, Judas is baked and baked, but it should only be eaten on Maundy Thursday, and it is traditionally smeared with honey. Whoever ate Judas at dawn should stick to it for good health all year round! Try, for example, a great traditional Yiddish recipe according to MJ Sandtnerová.