Blessing of the Easter Baskets
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Saturday, April 16, 2022, 11:00 AMWhere did this practice come from? The Easter blessings of food came from the Middle Ages during the Lenten fast and abstinence when eating certain foods was forbidden. When Easter brought the fast to an end, these foods were again allowed to be eaten. The people showed their joy and gratitude by first taking the food to church for a blessing. Today the Easter blessings of food are still held in many churches in the United States, especially in Slavic parishes.
What’s in your basket?
Among the Slovaks a basket containing lamb meat (which of course signifies Jesus, the Lamb of God), boiled eggs, dyed and plain, Pascha (a special Easter bread), and other foods, is taken to the church where the priest blesses it.
Among the Polish people the same custom is practiced, but the main foods blessed are an egg which is broken and shared by all on Easter Sunday morning, and a lamb molded of butter or pastry. This butter-lamb and blessed Easter egg have a place of honor on the festive Easter table.
In Rome, on Holy Saturday, there is a custom which is still in practice. A fresh table cloth is spread on the table in the dining room and on it are laid out the Easter meal, including the uncooked Easter Lamb which is decorated with flowers, eggs, wine, fruit, and a large traditional cake called "pizza". These are sprinkled with holy water and are given a special blessing by the priest.
Join us for this Tradition!
This blessing is still found in the updated Roman Ritual and is a wonderful practice.
It’s never too late to add a new tradition to your family’s Easter celebration!