The centerpiece of a Russian Christmas is the Christmas Eve meal, which is meatless and each food represents the twelve apostles of Jesus. By ritual, a prayer is said at the start of the meal by the oldest father figure at the table. After the prayer has been said, the mother of the family then blesses each family member with a cross of honey on their forehead. When the blessings and prayers are complete, the meal can begin. The first item that is served during the Christmas Eve meal is a type of bread called Pagach which is dipped in both garlic and honey. The garlic and honey are symbols of both the sweetness and bitterness of life. The next course served is one of the main dishes of meal called Kutya. Kuyta is comprised of honey, grains,