polish easter traditions
Blessing of the Easter Basket
In Poland, the blessing of the baskets is known as święcenie pokarmow wiełkanocnych, a practice dating to the 15th century or earlier, and one which is still maintained by most families in Poland
The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood (bukszpan), the typical Easter evergreen. Poles take special pride in preparing a decorative and tasteful basket with crisp linens, occasionally embroidered for the occasion, and boxwood and ribbon woven through the handle.
The Basket Should Contain:
Maslo (Butter) - This dairy product is often shaped into a lamb (Baranek Wielkanocny) or a cross. This reminds us of the good will of Christ that we should have towards all things.
Babka (Easter Bread) - A round or long loaf topped with a cross or a fish, symbolic of Jesus, who is the Bread of Life.
Chrzan (Horseradish) - Symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds.
Jajka (Eggs) and Pisanki (decorated with symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity) - Indicates new life and Christ's Resurrection from the tomb.
Kielbasa (Sausage) - A sausage product, 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.
Sol (Salt) - A necessary element in our physical life. Symbolic of prosperity and justice and to remind us that people are the flavor of the earth.
Ser (Cheese) - Symbolic of the moderation Christians should have at all times.
Candle - Represents Christ as the Light of the World. Colorful Ribbons and Sprigs of Greenery - are attached to the basket as signs of joy and new life in the season of spring and in celebration of the Resurrection.
Linen Cover - 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.
stay connected - links to polish news
Poland Daily 24
Poland Daily 24
Poland Daily 24
EuroNews
Poland Daily 24
Poland Daily 24
Click on Images to Reach News Pages
Poland Radio
Poland Daily 24
Poland Radio
Virtual tours
Warsaw Virtual Tours
National Museum Warsaw
Warsaw Virtual Tours
Everyone's been advised to sit at home and self-isolate during the Coronavirus outbreak...bummer... but that doesn't mean you can't 'visit' your favourite museums in Warsaw, or even go on a country wide tour, from the very comfort of your own home... or confines of your hotel room or apartment, if you're stuck here!
VIDEO Tour
National Museum Warsaw
Warsaw Virtual Tours
The Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. Eight galleries covering 4,300 square metres, illustrating a thousand years of Jewish life in Polish territories.
National Museum Warsaw
National Museum Warsaw
National Museum Warsaw
The National Museum in Warsaw is the national museum in Warsaw and the largest in the capital. It comprises a rich collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, an extensive gallery of Polish painting since the 16th century, and a collection of European paintings. The museum also specializes in Nubian Christian art and Medieval Art.