newsweek.ro/cultura/cum-a-aparut-coliva-in-spatiul

Coliva, a traditional Romanian dish, originated from the Christianization of the Daco-Roman population and is linked to a miracle by Saint Theodore Tiron. It symbolizes faith in resurrection and immortality, made from boiled wheat, representing the cycle of death and rebirth. The dish became significant during the reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate, who attempted to force Christians to consume food tainted with idol sacrifices. Saint Theodore appeared in a dream to Archbishop Eudoxius, advising him to prepare coliva for the faithful to avoid the contaminated food. This event led to the association of coliva with memorial services for the deceased, symbolizing the hope of resurrection and eternal life. The practice spread throughout Romania following the Christianization efforts of Saint Andrew.