Święconka (in some places in Poland called sainted) are foods that we take to church on Holy Saturday in an Easter basket. Blessing of food takes place the day before the Resurrection of Jesus. Święconka cannot be eaten or taken out of the basket before Easter breakfast. We start our first Sunday meal with these foods. This tradition is deeply rooted in our culture, so it is worth knowing what they symbolize: lamb, eggs, salt and pepper and bread – inseparable elements of Święconka.
Contents
Bread, salt and a lamb cannot be missing among the sacred foods. Bread in all cultures it is a survival food. For Christians, it means the body of the Lord Jesus, and therefore it is the most important symbol of Easter. Sun it is a life-giving mineral and the basis of existence, a lamb – a symbol of the victory of good over evil and life over death.
Easter lamb made of bread dough, sugar, chocolate or marzipan, and formerly: molded from butter, means humility and gentleness. The one with the red flag is a symbol of the Risen Christ with a banner that emphasizes triumph and victory. For Jesus sacrificed his life for people in order to rise from the dead and thereby defeat sin and evil.
Basket, most often wicker (although nowadays Easter baskets can be made of felt, yarn and wood), should be kept in white and green. According to the Easter tradition, it is decorated with boxwood twigs, and the food placed in it is covered with a snow-white napkin.
Tradition has it that blessed foods are to ensure fertility, abundance, health and prosperity throughout the year.
The Easter basket, which is blessed on Holy Saturday, must contain:
- Bread – the basic food, which for Christians is the most important symbol representing the body of Christ (formerly it was replaced by Passover). It guarantees prosperity and prosperity. For the blessing, we cut off a piece of bread, which we will eat during Easter breakfast.
- Pepper and salt – they are used to season eggs and other dishes that we eat during Easter breakfast. Black ground pepper in Święconka refers to bitter herbs that Jews used to add to charoset (a kind of sauce). They did it in remembrance of the hard, slave labor in the production of bricks in Egypt. Whereas Sun it adds flavor to dishes, protects against spoilage and has cleansing properties. It was once believed that it could ward off evil. There is no life without salt. For Christians, it symbolizes the essence of life and truth, hence we talk about the “salt of the earth” – this is how Jesus called his disciples, the chosen ones. Egg – ensures fertility. It symbolizes life and although it entered the Easter basket at the latest, it is most associated with Easter. Place hard-boiled eggs in the basket. For decoration, you can also add eggshells and colorful Easter eggs.
- Horseradish – horseradish root symbolizes strength and strength. It is supposed to bring us good health. It enhances the properties of other dishesthat are in the Easter basket. It is best when the horseradish root is celebrated in a piece. Then we cut it into thin slices and offer it to the revelers. However, nowadays we usually celebrate grated horseradish.
- To be – means friendship, agreement between man and nature. It guarantees the health and development of the herd of domestic animals: cows, goats and sheep from which it comes.
- Sausage – usually ham or sausage, i.e. mainly pork products. brings health, fertility and abundance.
- Cake – appeared in baskets quite recently. It is a sign of skill and perfection. It’s not about ready-made pastries and sweets. According to tradition, it must be a piece of homemade cake, preferably yeast cake.
You can also add other dishes or decorations to the Easter basket (children often ask for a chicken, candy or a surprise egg). However, in order to maintain the tradition, it must first be found in the Easter egg 7 traditional foods.
Useful accessories for plants and flowers
Partner promotional materials
