Every year, Polish Catholic families all around Buffalo prepare a special Easter basket (referred to as Swieconka). The baskets are prepared before Holy Saturday, on which day they’re taken to local churches (such as Corpus Christi) for a special blessing. Many Polish families in Buffalo travel to the Broadway Market to procure the good for the baskets, which is part of the explanation for why the Market is so busy at this time of year.
While individual families vary the Swieconka basket content somewhat, some of the traditional elements include the following:
-Butter, often in the shape of a lamb, to remind those celebrating of the goodness of life.
-A round loaf of rye bread topped with a cross, symbolizing the Bread of Life.
-Either white or pink horseradish, as a reminder of the Passion of Christ.
-Eggs, often decorated (called pisanki), as an indicator of new life.
-Kielbasa, symbolizing generosity and God’s favor.
-Ham, to indicate the great joy and abundance that accompanies Easter.
-Smoked bacon, again indicating generosity and mercy.
-Salt, as in “salt of the earth.”
-A cheese ball to symbolize moderation.
-Others may include babka, cream cheese, oranges, vinegar, oil, and even chocolate rabbits in their baskets.
Once the food is prepared and put into the basket, other ritualistic items (such as Holy Water and a candle) are often placed inside. The baskets are then covered with linen or hand-crocheted doilies, and colorful ribbons and greenery are used to adorn the handles.
The Blessing of the Food is generally a cheerful event. The prayers have three parts, where each part addresses some of the contents of the basket (meats, eggs, and cakes & breads). After the prayers, the priest sprinkles each basket with Holy Water and parishioners take their goods home, to be enjoyed at a meal on Easter Day.
Swieconka Basket Blessing will occur today at Corpus Christi Church from 10AM to 3PM, with blessings occurring every 20-30 minutes.
Corpus Christi Church
199 Clark Street, Buffalo, 14212
716.896.1050