Blessing of food remains Easter tradition
time-honored Easter tradition includes
Staff report
CANFIELD
The Rev. Terrence J. Hazel, pastor of St. Michael Church, 300 N. Broad St., blessed Easter food baskets on Holy Saturday. The priest said St. Michael’s is not an ethnic church but follows the practice “out of respect for the custom.”
It is a tradition among people from Eastern and Central Europe and Poland. Foods to be eaten at Easter are arranged in a basket, and the priest gives a blessing over them.
Traditional foods are:
Butter. The dairy product often is shaped into a lamb or cross. It reminds us of the good will of Jesus Christ that we also should adopt.
Easter bread. The round or long loaf is decorated with a cross or fish. It is symbolic of Jesus, who is the bread of life.
Easter eggs. They represent new life and Christ’s resurrection.
Kielbasa. The sausage product symbolizes God’s favor and generosity.
Ham. It is a symbol of great joy and abundance. Lamb also is popular at Easter. Lamb reminds Christians about Jesus, the lamb of God.
Bacon. This represents the overabundance of God’s mercy and generosity.
Salt. It is symbolic of prosperity and justice, reminding all that we are called to be “the salt of the earth.”
Cheese. This symbolizes the moderation Christians should practice.
Candle. It represents Christ as the light of the world.