ychkiv honey cake is a unique Transcarpathian version of traditional wedding pastry. The tradition when newlyweds break a honey cake instead of wedding bread at a wedding party exists only in Velykyi Bychkiv, Rakhiv district, Transcarpathia. That is why from ancient times three honey cakes (two small and the third one – large) were baked and they were consecrated during the wedding in the church. One of the smaller ones was given to the priest, the other was kept at home as a talisman. The third, a large one, was placed on the table in front of the young people. After the bride was “wrapped” (her rag front was tied), the young people stood on the opposite sides of the table and tore the honey cake. It is believed that the more you snatch, the longer you will live. Wedding cakes have become a symbol of reliability and strength of the newly created family.
Legends about this solemn confection have been passed down from generation to generation and have come down to us. The name comes from the word “honey”, because this ingredient is the main in pastry. In addition, the recipe includes nuts and spices that the hostess keeps secret. The honey cake makes a unique ornament based on magical signs and charms. In addition, each honey cake is always original. It is made on a by-order basis. Most often – for a wedding, birthday, as well as a souvenir of good luck.