\"Swieconka\" - The Blessing of the Easter Food

Polish tradition of blessing Easter food will take place in Mary Our Queen Church in Norcross at 10:30 am and in St. Marguerite in Lawrenceville at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 7, 2012.

A word about this Polish tradition:
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.

The usual fare on the Easter table includes ham and kielbasa, cakes of all kinds - particularly babka; eggs - some shelled and some decorated. There is usually a Paschal Lamb or "Baranek" made of butter, some cheese, horseradish, salt, vinegar and oil.

The food is brought to the church and blessed by the parish priest on Holy Saturday. 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 family and friends. Having exchanged wishes, all continue to enjoy a hearty meal.

This centuries old custom is indeed richly symbolic and beautiful. It is one in which the whole family can participate and help prepare. May this tradition endure for many generations to come.

All of you can enjoy this beautiful Polish custom by participating at the blessing of the Easter food "Swieconka" at the Polish church nearest you. This is an excellent way to teach the younger members of your family about this treasured Polish tradition.

Polish Easter Basket:
Maslo (butter) - This favorite 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) and Pisanki (decorated with the symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity) - Indicate new life and Christ\'s Resurrection from the tomb.

Kielbasa (sausage) - A spicy sausage of pork products, indicates  God\'s favor and generosity.

Szynka (ham) - Symbol of great joy and abundance. Some prefer lamb or veal. The lamb also reminds Catholics that the Risen Christ is the \'Lamb of God."

Slonina (smoked bacon) - A symbol of overflowing abundance of God’s mercy and generosity.

Sol (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.

A candle is inserted into the basket to represent Christ, the Light of the World. A colorful ribbon and sometimes sprigs of greenery are attached. A linen cover is drawn over the top and it is ready for the priest\'s visit or for the trek to church where it is joined with the baskets of others to await the blessing that wig render it fit for consumption on Easter Sunday.

(Material compiled by the Polish Museum of America, Chicago, Illinois – 2002)

We hope to see you there!
Happy Easter! Wesołych Swiąt!