"Swieconka"

The blessing of the Easter food, or the "Swieconka" is a tradition dear to the heart of every Pole. Being deeply religious, he is grateful to God for all His gifts of both nature and grace, and, as a token of this gratitude, has the food of his table sanctified with the hope that spring, the season of the Resurrection, will also be blessed by God's goodness and mercy.

Traditions vary from village to village and family to family. They have changed and evolved with each passing generation.

Traditionally the food is brought to the church in a basket, often decorated with a colourful ribbon and sometimes sprigs of greenery are attached, with a linen cover drawn over the top (hence "The Traditional Polish Easter Basket") and blessed by the parish priest on Holy Saturday morning. The food can also be blessed in the home.

After the blessing, the food is usually set aside until Easter morning when the head of the house shares the blessed egg, symbol of life, with his family and friends. Having exchanged wishes, all continue to enjoy a hearty meal.

The foods traditionally blessed for Easter can be reduced to three categories:

Easter bread and cakes of all kinds - particularly babka
Meat products, like ham, stuffed veal, suckling pig or lamb, sausage, bacon, etc.;
Dairy products, like butter, cheese ("hrudka" cheese cake), eggs - some shelled, some decorated ("pisanki"); etc.

The blessing of Easter food is one of our most beautiful and most meaningful customs with which our devoted ancestors have enriched us. This centuries old custom is indeed richly symbolic and has a deep liturgical and spiritual meaning. It is one in which the whole family can participate and help prepare.

Each of the foods which traditionally makes up the Easter basket has a deep and symbolic meaning:

Masło (butter) This favourite 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). Eggs were always considered as a symbol of the resurrection, the emergence of a new life. At Easter our Saviour came forth from the tomb as the chick after breaking the shell at birth. Because of this special meaning, it is fitting that Easter eggs be coloured or decorated (often with the symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity). They are the favoured object of our national art and are known to us as "pisanki."
Kiełbasa (sausage) - A spicy sausage of pork products, indicative of God's favour 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."
Słonina (smoked bacon) - A symbol of the overabundance of God's mercy and generosity.
Sól (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.
In some regions a candle is also inserted into the basket to represent Christ, the Light of the World.

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