No matter how busy I may be and what my schedule is, I have budgeted time in to shop, prepare and get my Easter food basket blessed.
A tradition rooted in Slavic and Polish cultures, the 'blessing of the food' ritual, called Swieconka (sh-vee-en-soon-kah), is offered on Holy Saturday in churches.
For me the tradition goes back as far as I can remember. My father would shop for the contents, my mother would prepare the basket, and we would all bring the basket of food to church on the Saturday before Easter to have the food blessed. Then the food is enjoyed Easter Sunday morning for breakfast.
As a very large breakfast happens to be my favorite meal, this event was always something I delighted in. When I was very young it basically just represented a time for family together eating an eclectic assortment of delicious blessed foods. They were always the same, but I never understood the significance of each food. When I married, I did not carry on the tradition ...... until about 15 years ago when I decided to bring it back and share it with my family.
Only difference this time was that I was going to understand why we were including these specific foods.
Here is what I put into the basket and what each food represents.
|
Butter |
Often shaped into a lamb or cross. Represents the good will of Christ . |
|
Babka (bread) |
Symbolic of Jesus, the Bread of Life |
|
Horseradish |
Represents the Passion of Christ |
|
Hard boiled colored eggs |
Represents new life and Christ's Resurrection |
|
Kielbasa (fresh not smoked) |
Represents God's favor and generosity |
|
Ham |
Representative of joy and abundance |
|
Salt |
Symbolizes prosperity and justice |
|
Cheese |
Represents moderation we should practice |
|
Candle |
Represents Christ as the Light of the World |
|
Basket Ribbons |
Represents joy and new life |
|
Linen Cover |
Covers the top and is set aside for the blessing by the priest |
I also add a few more things to our basket like strawberries, yogurt, fresh pastries, orange juice, tea, and some chocolate eggs thrown in for good measure.
We also dine on the best china I have, with crystal glasses, fine table linens and silverware. It is a very special breakfast and a tradition my family loves sharing with me.
Happy Easter to all as you celebrate your own Easter traditions.
The Easter Basket Blessing - A Favorite Tradition
Barbara Altieri, REALTOR®
Listing and Buyer's Agent
Certified Short Sales Specialist
RealtyQuest Real Estate Sales and Services Team
Kinard Realty Group
30 Huntington Street, Shelton CT 06484
Office -- 203.929.1752
Cell -- 203.520.6930
Email -- barbara.altieri@realtyquest.com
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