Polish Easter event serves up food and craft specialties

YOUNGSTOWN

Polish Lenten and Easter traditions came alive during a Saturday workshop at First Presbyterian Church.

The free annual event was named “Swieconka: An Easter Traditions Workshop and Celebration.”

“The purpose of this event is to give folks an opportunity to learn more about the Polish Easter traditions and to also get their Easter supplies and Easter baskets ready,” said Lisa Skomra-Lotze of North Lima, a member of Polish Youngstown, the workshop’s sponsor.

The celebration featured expert demonstrations from Lawrence Kozlowski of Pittsburgh, a well-known folklorist and author, concerning creation of pisanki (wax-decorated eggs), palmowa tkania (artfully woven palms), and wycinanki, which are paper cuttings used as spring home decorations.

Participants were invited to bring a dozen eggs and decorate them under expert guidance.

It was also an opportunity to shop for items to fill an Easter basket, such as wooden and decorated eggs, decorating kits, icons, woven palms, recipe books, basket covers and even chocolate pierogi.

Also offered were a traditional Polish Easter breakfast and Polish bakery items.

Read more about the event in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.