Koliva

Koliva, also spelled, depending on the language, kollyva, kollyba, kolyvo, or colivă, is a dish based on boiled wheat that is used liturgically in the Eastern Orthodox Church for commemorations of the dead.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Koliva is blessed during funerals, as well as during the memorial service (mnemosyno) that is performed at various intervals after a person's death and on special occasions, such as the Saturday of Souls (ψυχοσάββατο, Psychosavvato). It may also be used on first Friday of the Great Lent, at Slavas, or at mnemosyna in the Christmas meal. In some countries, though not in Greece (and Cyprus), it is consumed on nonreligious occasions as well.

A similar food item is widely popular in Lebanon where it is known as snuniye and, more commonly, as berbara as it is prepared for Saint Barbara's feast day, December 4, which is celebrated with Halloween-like festivities.

In Ethiopia also similar food is popular specially with the Orthodox Christian community, it is called "Nifro". Nifro is a boiled grain snack commonly enjoyed in Ethiopia, typically made from a mix of grains and legumes such as wheat, barley, and chickpeas. It is often seasoned simply with salt and sometimes accompanied by roasted grains or nuts. This nutritious snack is popular during holidays and special occasions, such as funerals.