A Catholic Easter Tradition

The blessing of the Easter Basket has been a Catholic ritual for centuries among Families of Eastern European origin and adopted by people of all ethnic backgrounds who enjoy this richly symbolic custom. On Holy Saturday, families would prepare their Easter Baskets to later be blessed at church. After Easter Sunday’s Resurrection Mass, the family and guests would ashre this blessed fare and exchange good wishes.

The Christian significance is symbolized in the foods used for the Holiday feast. Baskets are lined with white cloth and decorated with ribbons and greenery to symbolize Spring, renewal, and the Resurrection. Traditionally, the baskets would include: decorated hard boiled eggs (representing Christ’s Resurrection), lamb shaped butter or sugar or lamb meat if you prefer (representing Christ as the lamb of God), bread (symbolic of Jesus as the “bread of Life”), ham (symbolic of great joy and abundance), sausage (symbolic of Gods favor and generosity), smoked beacon (symbolic of the overabundance of God’s mercy), salt (symbolic of prosperity and justice and to remind us “You are the salt of the earth, cheese (symbolizing the moderation Christians should have at all times), horseradish & pepper (symbolic of the Passion of Christ and bitter herbs of the Passover). A white candle is often inserted into the basket to represent Christ as the “Light of the World. Lastly. The basket is covered with linen symbolizing the covering of Christ’s shroud.

Your basket can contain any or all of the items mentioned. This deeply rooted tradition is as richly symbolic as it is heart-warming. Children are eager to help prepare and decorate the family basket and later, proudly carry it into church on Holy Saturday for the blessing. Some families with small children, have their little ones carry their very own decorated basket filled with fruits, a chocolate bunny or some other treat to be blessed.

Please join us with your unique baskets for a brief 15-minute blessing on Holy Saturday at 10:00 AM, as we share this beloved tradition with our St Elizabeth Parish family and guests.