The Polish Easter Tradition of Basket Blessing

Easter is an important holiday in Poland.

Swieconka, or the blessing of the baskets, is an adored Polish tradition. Poles are deeply religious and participate in this tradition to show their gratitude to God. Poles hope that with the blessing of the Easter foods and basket, God will bless the coming spring with goodness. The basket's food is eventually enjoyed on Easter Sunday. The head of the household will share the egg, which symbolizes life, with friends and family. Afterwards, everybody eats a hearty meal.

Ritual

Decorative baskets full of Easter food are brought to the church on Holy Saturday in order to be blessed. The baskets contain symbolic food for the holiday, broken down into three categories: meats; dairy products; cakes and bread. Parishioners look at each other's Easter foods and basket creations. In older or pastoral communities, the priest will visit each parishioner's home to bless the food.

Basket Decoration

The basket is usually lined with crisp white linen or a lace napkin. The linen may be embroidered. Sprigs of boxwood, a classic Easter evergreen, decorate the basket. Colored ribbons and other greenery attached to the basket represent joy, new life and celebration of spring time. Boxwood and linen may also be woven through the handle of the basket. A candle included in the basket reminds Poles that Christ is the "Light of the World."
A linen cloth covers the basket for the trip to the church.

Meats and Spices

Chrzan, or horseradish, symbolizes the Passion of Christ. Kielbasa, or sausage, symbolizes God's generosity. Szynka, or ham, symbolizes abundance and joy. The basket may contain lamb or veal instead of ham. Slonina, or smoked bacon, symbolizes God's mercy, while sol, or salt, reminds Poles that humans are the flavor of the earth.

Dairy and Eggs

Maslo, or butter, is in the shape of either a lamb or a cross to represent good will towards everything. Jajka, or eggs, are decorated with pisanki. Pisanki are symbols of Easter, life and prosperity, symbolizing new life and Christ's resurrection. The ser, or cheese, symbolizes moderation.

Cakes and Bread

Babka, or the loaf of Easter bread, is either round or long and topped with a cross or a fish. This symbolizes Jesus, the "Bread of Life." The basket may also contain hrudka, or cheesecake.

References

• Annhetzelgunkel: Blessing of the Baskets
• Polish American Center: A Traditional Polish Easter Basket
• Polish Parish Luton/Dunstable: Easter Basket