Blessing of the Baskets

Fr. Ron will be performing the Traditional Blessing of the Baskets on Holy Saturday (April 3rd) at 1pm in the Parish Hall.

Called Swieconka (sh-vee-en-soon-kah) in Polish the Easter Blessing of the Baskets is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions. Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood , the typical Easter evergreen. Poles take special pride in preparing a decorative and tasteful basket with crisp linens, occasionally embroidered for the occasion, and just enough boxwood and ribbon woven through the handle. Observing the beautiful foods and creations of other parishioners is one of the special joys of the event.

Basket Contents and Symbolism

Butter: This dairy product is often shaped into a lamb, reminding us of the goodness of Christ that we should have toward all things.

Bread: A round rye loaf often topped with a cross, symbolic of Jesus, the Bread of Life.

Horseradish : The bitter herbs of the Jewish Passover symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds, but sweetened with some sugar because of the Resurrection.

Eggs and Pisanki: Indicate new life and Christ’s Resurrection from the Tomb.

Kielbasa or Sausage: A spicy sausage of pork products, indicative of God’s favor and generosity.

Ham: Symbolic of great joy and abundance.

Smoked Bacon: A symbol of the over abundance of God’s mercy and generosity.

Salt: So necessary an element in our physical life, that Jesus used its symbolism: “You are the salt of the earth.”

Cheese: Shaped into a ball, it is the symbol of the moderation Christians should have.

Water: This water is not for drinking but rather after being blessed it used as holy water to bless the home, animals, fields and used in religious rituals throughout the year.

A candle, often marked like the Paschal Candle lit during the Easter Vigil, is inserted into the basket to represent Christ, Light of the World. A colorful ribbon and sometimes sprigs of greenery are attached. The linen cover is drawn over the top and is ready for the trek to the blessing.

While not a traditional part of the Polish Easter basket, feel free to include candy or any other foods that are part of your families celebration of the Resurrection!