Blessing of basket tradition continues

Ten food items are included in a traditional Slovak basket.

Ten food items are included in a traditional Slovak basket.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown, is among many Roman Catholic churches that observe a tradition of blessing an Easter basket filled with samples of foods to be eaten on Easter Sunday.

The church had blessings of baskets at 1 and 4 p.m. Holy Saturday.

Immaculate Heart provided an ingredient list for a traditional Slovak basket.

The custom is from the desire of the Christian community to ask God’s blessing on the foods that will break the Lenten fast, and from which people may have abstained from eating. The religious significance of the foods are symbolic of Christ.

A wicker basket decorated with a ribbon or bow is used. A decorated candle also may be included in the basket, and some people light it when the food is blessed. A linen cover, embroidered with the sign of the risen Christ or other religious symbol, is placed over the food.

Basket items are:

UEggs. Decorated eggs are a symbol of the new life made possible by the risen Christ.

UPascha. The Easter bread is a sweet, yeast bread made with eggs and butter. It’s symbolic of Christ, who is the true bread of life. It’s usually a round loaf baked to a golden crust. It may have a cross of dough on the top encircled by a plait, giving it a crowned effect or the Greek abbreviations for the name of Christ. The letters XB indicate Slavonic for Christ is risen.

USausage. Kielbasi also may be used. The spicy pork product is indicative of God’s favor and generosity.

UBacon. A pie of uncooked bacon cured with spices symbolizes God’s abundance of mercy to us.

USalt. This reminds us to flavor our dealings with others by the example of Christ.

UHam. The food is used because of its richness and is symbolic of the joy and abundance of Easter. It’s often prepared in advance so that the festivity of the day is not burdened with preparation. Lamb also may be served.

UCheese. A custard-type of cheese, shaped into a ball with a bland and somewhat sweet taste, reminds Christians to be moderate in all things.

UHorseradish and beets. These symbolize the suffering of Christ, which culminated in the Resurrection.

UButter. This dairy product is often shaped into the figure of a lamb or cross. It is a reminder of the goodness of Christ and how we should follow his example to be good to all.