POLISH TRADITION & THE EASTER BASKET

Polish Tradition

Polish Easter Basket

My daughter-in-law's mother Teresa kept up with Polish tradition when we had them over for a family Easter lunch at our place. She did this by bringing over to our house a meaningful Polish Easter Basket, prepared by her from the goodness of heart, on behalf of my grandson Ari. This custom represents good wishes, and indicate true values meant from the virtue of the heart in the Catholic faith by celebrating Easter and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What the basket holds in this Eastertide presentation is truly significant. The description in the list of contents below says it all.

Incidentally, Ari and his two cousins participated in the preparation of the above basket - they hand-coloured the eggs and applied Easter-appropriate stickers on them.

Thank you Teresa for this wonderful gift.

Maslo (butter) This favorite dairy product is often shaped into a lamb (Baranek Wielkanocny) or a cross. This reminds us of the goodness of Christ that we should have toward all things.

Babka (Easter bread) - A round loaf topped with a cross or a fish, symbolic of Jesus, who is our true Bread of Life.

Chrzan (horseradish with grated red beets) - Symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds but sweetened with some sugar because of the Resurrection.

Jajka (eggs) and Pisanki (decorated with the symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity) -Indicate new life and Christ's Resurrection from the tomb.

Kielbasa (sausage) - A spicy sausage of pork products, indicative of God's favor and generosity.

Szynka (ham) - Symbolic of great joy and abundance. Some prefer lamb or veal. The lamb also reminds Catholics that the Risen Christ is the 'Lamb of God."

Slonina (smoked bacon) - A symbol of the over abundance of God's mercy and generosity.

Sol (salt) - So necessary an element in our physical life, that Jesus used its symbolism: "You are the salt of the earth."

Ser (cheese) - Shaped into a ball, it is the symbol of the moderation Christians should have at all times.

A candle in the basket represents Christ, the Light of the World. A colorful ribbon and sometimes sprigs of greenery are attached. A linen cover is drawn over the top and it is ready for the priest's visit or for the trek to church where it is joined with the baskets of others to await the blessing that will render it fit for consumption on Easter Sunday.

Material compiled by the Polish Museum of America, Chicago, Illinois - 2002