For centuries, the Eastern European ritual known as “Blessing of the Easter Baskets” has been cherished around the world by Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
Rich in symbolism, the beloved Holy Saturday tradition blesses the food that will be eaten on Easter Sunday.
The custom arose from the strict Lenten fasting of the past. With all fasting ending with Christ’s resurrection, the tradition of blessing food to be eaten on Easter day was created.
Baskets are adorned with colorful ribbons, flowers, greenery and special linens. Once filled, a white linen cloth that represents the shroud of Christ is laid over the basket contents.
Traditional baskets include symbolic foods such as:
• Bread (“Bread of Life”).
• Lamb, ham or meats (“Lamb of God” and God’s mercy).
• Salt (“Salt of the earth”).
• Decorated hardboiled eggs (Christ’s resurrection).
• Horseradish root (bitter sacrifice of Christ).
• Wine (Christ’s blood).
• Butter (well-being).
• White candle (“Light of the World”).
• Sweets (good things to come).
The Pagosa Catholic Community invites all who wish to participate in Blessing of the Easter Baskets to a short Holy Saturday ceremony at noon on March 30. Ceremony will be at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church located at 353 S. Pagosa Blvd.
For more information, including the Easter Sunday Mass schedule, visit ihmjp2.org.
