Blessing of the Traditional Polish Easter Basket:
The blessing of the Easter foods is a tradition dear to the hearts of every Polish family.  Being deeply religious, they are grateful to God for all His gifts of both nature and grace.  As a token of this gratitude, they have the food of their table sanctified with the hope that spring, the season of the Resurrection, will also be blessed by God’s goodness and mercy.

The blessed foods and their symbolic meanings are:

• Jajka (Eggs) and Pisanki (decorated with symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity) – Symbol of new life, rebirth, and Chirst’s Resurrection from the tomb.
• Maslo (Butter) – This dairy product is often shaped into a lamb (Baranek Wielkanocny) or a cross.  This reminds us of the good will of Chirst that we should have towards all things.  It is the centerpiece of the meal.  Christ is seen as the “Lamb of God”.
• Chrzan (Horseradish/Pepper) – Symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds, the bitter herbs of the Passover and the Exodus.
• Sol (Salt) – A necessary element in our physical life.  Symbolic of prosperity, hospitality, and justice. To remind us that people are the flavor of the earth.
• Babka (Easter Bread) – A round or long loaf topped with a cross or a fish. Symbolic of Jesus, who is the “Bread of Life”.
• Kielbasa (Sausage) – All types of pork were forbidden under the dietary code of the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:7).  The coming of Christ was seen as exceeding the old law and the dietary items now became acceptable (Mark 7:19). Symbolic of God’s favor and generosity.
• Szynka (Ham) – Symbolic of great joy and abundance.  Some prefer lamb or veal.  The lamb also reminds Christians that the Risen Christ is the “Lamb of God”.
• Slonina (Smoked Bacon) – A symbol of the overabundance of God’s mercy and generosity.
• Ser (Cheese) – Symbolic of the moderation Christians should have at all times.
• Vinegar – Symbolizes the gall given to Christ at the crucifixion.
• Wine – Symbolizes the blood of sacrifice spilled by Christ at the crucifixion.
• Bukszpan (Boxwood) and Colorful Ribbons - attached to the basket as signs of joy and new life in the season of spring and in celebration of the Resurrection.
• Linen Cover – White linen traditionally lined and drawn over the top of the basket which is ready for the priest’s visit to the home or the trip to church where it is joined with the baskets of others to await the blessing.  The food is then set aside and enjoyed on Easter Sunday.