Swieconka – Polish Blessing of the Easter Baskets

Holy Saturday – Ennis Cathedral

Swieconka(sh-vee-en-soon-kah) is one of the most enduring and beloved
Polish traditions. Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to
church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. The basket is traditionally lined with a
white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood (bukszpan),
the typical Easter evergreen. Poles take special pride in preparing a decorative
and tasteful basket with crisp linens, occasionally embroidered for the
occasion, and just enough boxwood and ribbon woven through the handle.
Observing the beautiful foods and creations of other parishioners is one of the
special joys of the event.
While in some older or rural communities, the priest visits the home to bless
the foods, the vast majority of Poles and Polish parishioners in Ireland visit the
church on Holy Saturday.
Poswiecenie Pokarmow – Blessing of Food
The Blessing of the Food is a festive occasion. The three-part blessing prayers specifically address the
various contents of the basket, with special prayers for the meats, eggs, cakes & breads.