Swieconka – Polish Blessing of the Baskets – Holy Saturday

Fr. Roch, OFM blesses the food baskets in Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, Ennis.

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.