Easter is one of my favorite holidays because I am Polish and Easter is just as big as Christmas in my family.  Easter also signifies life and the beginning of spring in New England.  Although the weather as been pretty inconsistent here in CT, I want to wear a cute colorful Easter dress with beautiful pastel colors.  Just do not forget your cardigan because it may be chilly!  Coloring eggs, delicious east candy and treats are all part of the fun for this happy holiday. 

Below are some American traditions but I have to share the Polish Easter basket with all of you.  The Polish Easter basket is a huge tradition in Polish Catholic families.  Families put this Easter basket together on Holy Saturday, dress their children up to tee and cannot eat the food until it is blessed by the priest.  This is called “Swieconka”  (Blessing of the Baskets.   There is no Easter bunny in Poland- the lamb represents the lamb of God. 

Recipe of the Polish Easter Basket (This is what my family does but it can vary based on tradition)

Lamb– Represents the lamb of God.  This is usually in a butter mold or in a chocolate form.

Babka (Easter Bread) – A round or long loaf topped with a cross or a fish, symbolic of Jesus, who is the Bread of Life.

Jajka (Eggs) and Pisanki (decorated with symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity) – Indicates new life and Christ’s Resurrection from the tomb.

Kielbasa (Sausage) – A sausage product, symbolic of God’s favor and generosity.

Colorful Ribbons and Sprigs of Greenery – are attached to the basket as signs of joy and new life in the season of spring and in celebration of the Resurrection.

Linen Cover – drawn over the top of the basket which is ready for the priest’s visit to the home or the trip to church where it is joined with the baskets of others to await the blessing. The food is then set aside and enjoyed on Easter Sunday.