Dear Friend,



The Holy Saturday custom of having food blessed for the family meal, after returning home from the Resurrection Holy Mass on Easter Sunday, dates back from the 15th century in Eastern European countries. 



Have you heard about the symbolic meaning of the food and other items in the Easter basket that are taken to church for the priest or deacon to bless? 



The basket is usually lined with a linen cloth that is sometimes embroidered. This cloth symbolizes the shroud of Jesus. It also serves as a symbol of the white robe of baptism, which represents purity, innocence as well as hope and victory - of good over evil through the resurrection.  



The basket may also be lined with green branches, herbs, fresh flowers or even dried flowers. The greenery are symbols of new life – rebirth. 



The food inside the Easter basket:



~ Easter bread. Usually a round loaf which can be rich (with raisins) that is reminiscent of the risen Lord. A braided sweet or home-baked bread represents the staff of life given by God.



~ Butter which is often shaped into a lamb is symbolic of the Pascal Lamb. Butter molds can be purchased online. 



~ Colored, decorated and uncolored hard-cooked eggs symbolize hope and new life by Christ rising from His tomb.



~ Sausage – kielbasa.  The sausage links are symbolic of the chains of death that were broken when Jesus rose from the dead, as well as of God’s generosity.



~ Bacon – a symbol of the abundance of God’s mercy.



~ Ham (or any kind of meat) symbolize the great joy and abundance in the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.



~ Horseradish – a reminder of the bitterness and harshness of the Passion of Jesus. The vinegar that is mixed with the horseradish symbolizes the sour wine given to Jesus on the cross.



~ Cheese, which is a symbol to remind Christians of moderation.



~ Salt, which is added to food, represents “a zest for life” and preserves us from corruption. 



~ Sweets – symbolize the promise of eternal life or the good things to come. 



Optional:



~ A candle – which symbolizes Jesus, the “light of the world”. Light it for your Easter meal and during Easter week. 



See these beautiful images of the Easter baskets.The photo on the bottom shows the Priest giving the blessing on Holy Saturday:



























If your parish does not have a special time for the blessing, ask your Pastor when to bring your basket. Or find a nearby parish that offers this beautiful service. Please send me photos of your family’s Easter basket, as well as any photos of the blessing.



As we approach the Sacred Triduum, may you and your loved ones be filled with God’s infinite love.



Awaiting His Glorious Resurrection,







Thomas McKenna



Founder and President



Catholic Action For Faith And Family

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