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<\/a><\/figure>\nHappy Easter \u2013 Weso\u0142ego Alleluja<\/i><\/b><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n We can all enjoy this beautiful tradition. It is a great way to teach new generations of Polish-Americans about our common heritage.<\/p>\n \u015awi\u0119conka<\/b><\/strong> is the traditional blessing food to be eaten on Easter Sunday. While the tradition varies from region to region and village to village, it is a tradition dear to the heart of every Pole. Today, this blessing take place in church on Holy Saturday. All the items are placed in a wicker basket that is sometimes lined with an ornamental cloth\u00a0 or traditional folk fabric. The filled basket is then covered with a linen cloth which should be white, but can have a colourful crocheted or embroidered design. The basket is decorated with sprigs of boxwood (bukszpan), the typical Polish Easter evergreen. „Polish Palms” which are created from dried flowers, can also be used for decoration. Listed at the right are Polish Easter Foods that are most commonly placed in the Easter Basket for the traditional blessing, along with the symbolism of each item.<\/p>\n Bacon<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Symbol of the overabundance of the God’s mercy on us.<\/p>\n Broad<\/b><\/strong> – Home baked bread, the staff of life.<\/p>\n Easter Bread<\/b><\/strong> – Babka<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n A Special round loaf, made of rich dough and raisins, and decorated with a cross, reminds us of Jesus, the Risen Lord, who, in the Eucharist, is the food of our earthly journey and the true bread of everlasting life.<\/p>\n Butter<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n The butter should be shaped into the figure of a lamb or cross. Dairy products are included to celebrate the end of Lent and the richness of Salvation which flows from the Death and Resurrection of Jesus.<\/p>\n Candle<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n The only non-edible item in the basket, the candle symbolizes Jesus, the Life and Light of the World. The candle can be lit during the blessing.<\/p>\n Cheese<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n A symbol to remind Christians of moderation.<\/p>\n Coloured Eggs<\/b><\/strong> \u2013 Pisanki<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Both coloured and uncoloured eggs, indicate hope, new life and Resurrection. Because of their special meaning, it is fitting that the eggs to be blessed are decorated with symbols of Easter.<\/p>\n Ham<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n This popular main dish is symbolic of great joy and abundance.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Horseradish<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n This represents the bitter herbs prescribed in the original Passover meat as a reminder of the bitterness and harshness of the life of slavery in Egypt. It also reminds us of the bitterness of the Passion of Jesus, by which he entered glory.\u00a0 Horseradish is often prepared with red beets in the dish \u201c\u0107wik\u0142a\u201c.<\/p>\n Salt<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Symbolizes wisdom and preservation from corruption, it is included to remind us that Jesus din not undergo corruption in the grave.<\/p>\n Sausage<\/b><\/strong> \u2013 Kie\u0142basa<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n This is an old Slavic tradition. Its links remind us of the chains of death that were broken when Jesus rose from dead as well as God\u2019s favour and generosity.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"