Easter blessing of food celebrates renewal

Some items typically included in the baskets include eggs, ham, kielbasi, cheese, salt and beets.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

Vindicator Staff Writer

YOUNGSTOWN — The tradition of blessing food can be traced to the Old Testament, says the Rev. Nicholas Mancini.

“It recalls the Passover blessing of bread and wine at the paschal meal,” said the pastor of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, 252 E. Wood St., and St. Stephen of Hungary, 854 Wilson Ave.

“The custom of blessing foods has developed over the years,” he said. “The blessing is of the foods but is extended to the families.”

On Holy Saturday, Father Mancini conducted the blessing of Easter food baskets at both Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, which is Slovak in heritage; and St. Stephen, which is Hungarian.

There are suggested items to include in the basket to be blessed. “They are a sign of new life and renewal,” Father Mancini said, noting that ties to the spring season and the Easter celebration of the Resurrection.

Father Mancini said sometimes unleavened bread is included in the basket. The unleavened bread, mentioned in the Old Testament, is associated with the Israelites’ flight out of enslavement in Egypt and there was no time for bread to rise. It is a symbol of freedom.

“Round loaves of bread might be decorated with an egg or icing,” Father Mancini said. “Long loaves often have a cross on them.”

In the Hungarian tradition, Father Mancini said, an embroidered cloth is used. “It is a symbol of the shroud of Jesus,” he said. Kolachi (nut bread) also is an item that might be included, according to ethnic tradition.

The custom also stems from the desire of the Christian community to ask God’s blessing on the foods that will break the Lenten fast.

Father Mancini said a special prayer is offered over the food baskets, which members line up in the aisles next to the pews. The Passion and the joy of Resurrection are mentioned, he said.

“We always have a good turnout. It is a sign of faith and dedication to the love of Jesus,” Father Mancini said. “It is a remembrance of family heritage and a tradition of faith in the home,” Father Mancini said.

The religious significance of the foods are symbolic of Christ.

The food basket usually includes:

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

U Pascha. The Easter bread is usually 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.

U Kielbasi. The pork product is indicative of God’s favor and generosity.

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

U Ham. 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.

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

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

U Butter. 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.

linonis@vindy.com