Sisters share Polish Easter traditions

Swieconka (sh-vee-en-soon-kah) is one of the most beloved Polish traditions. Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to the church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood, the typical Easter evergreen. The Polish take special pride in preparing a decorative basket with crisp linens, occasionally embroidered for the occasion. 

A traditional Polish Swieconka Basket includes:

• Butter: This dairy product is often shaped into a lamb reminding us of the goodness of Christ that we should have toward all things.
• Easter Bread: A round rye loaf topped with a cross, symbolic of Jesus, the Bread of Life.
• Horseradish: Symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds, but sweetened with some sugar because of the Resurrection.
• Eggs: Indicate new life and Christ's Resurrection from the tomb.
• Sausage: A spicy sausage of pork products, indicative of God's favor and generosity.
• Ham: Symbolic of great joy and abundance.
• Salt: So necessary an element in our physical life, that Jesus used its symbolism: "You are the salt of the earth."
• Holy Water: Holy water is used to bless the home, animals, fields and used in religious rituals throughout the year.

The Sisters explained that the baskets are prepared at home and then taken to their parish church to be blessed. This blessing of food (Poswiecenie Pokarmow) is a festive occasion and the three-part prayers specifically address the various contents of the basket, with special prayers for the meats, eggs, cakes and breads. The contents are eaten at breakfast on Easter after people have returned from early Mass with those gathered together tasting a portion of each item. For example, the egg is sliced and a small piece is given to each person.

Sisters Daria, Anna, and Michaela will share this Swieconka Basket with the Sisters here at the Motherhouse.

Sisters Daria, Anna, and Michaela

A traditional Polish Swieconka Basket