Among the Polish people, the blessing of Easter food baskets is a custom. The foods blessed are shared by all on Easter Sunday morning. Items in the basket are symbolic to our faith.
Butter: This dairy product is often shaped into a lamb, reminding us of the goodness of Christ that we should have toward all things.
Easter Bread: A round rye loaf topped with a cross, symbolic of Jesus, the Bread of Life.
Horseradish: 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
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 overabundance 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.
Holy Water: Holy water is used to bless the home, animals, and fields and is 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, the 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 blessing.
