Polish Catholics start Easter with blessings of baskets
April 8, 2025
Easter baskets are blessed during Święconka at Our Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church in Houston. Święconka is one of the most beloved and enduring Polish traditions where people bring elaborately decorated baskets laden with their Easter food to be blessed at church on Holy Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Forum Polonia Houston)
HOUSTON — Polish people around the world observe what is called Święconka (pronounced shvjen-SOHN-kah), that is, the blessing of the baskets on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
This includes the many Polish immigrants and Polish Americans in Texas, particularly in the Houston area.
Father Tadeusz Rusnak, S. Chr., is the pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Houston.
Known colloquially as “Father Ted,” he points out, “In Poland, this is a very traditional and beautiful custom.”
The tradition is believed to date back to the 7th century in its original form. The more modern version containing bread and eggs — symbols of resurrection and Christ — is believed to have originated in the 12th century.
“This is not only a religious tradition, but one that brings families together as well,” Father Rusnak said. The basket is customarily lined with white linen and contains a variety of different foods, each with its own special symbolism or meaning.
Salt, representing wisdom, purity and preservation, serves as a reminder that our dealings with others be an example of Christ. Butter, often in the shape of a lamb, represents Jesus as the Lamb of God. Babka, the sweet Easter bread, often round in shape and always topped with a cross, symbolizing Jesus.
Bread, often sourdough rye bread, the staff of life. Kielbasa (sausage) is symbolic of God’s favor and generosity. Tradition alleges the sausage links are a reminder of the chains of death that were broken when Jesus rose from the dead. Bacon and/or ham are symbolic of the abundance of God’s mercy.
Horseradish, this bitter herb, symbolizes the harshness of life and Passion of Christ. In the Polish Easter tradition, horseradish is sweetened by mixing it with red beets called “ćwikła.” Cheese is a symbol to remind Christians to show moderation for all things.
Eggs, called “pisanki,” are colorful, intricately decorated eggs symbolizing beauty, fertility, rebirth and life. Wine is the drink of the Passover meal and Last Supper.
Children’s baskets may also include chocolates — in the form of eggs and bunnies — and jelly beans, which are modern additions to the baskets and symbolic of the sweetness of life. Also included may be a candle, the only non-edible item in the basket, representing Jesus, the Light of the World. It is lit during the blessing.
Yessica Krozel is a volunteer coordinator helping with the preparation for the Święconka. She has been a parishioner at Our Lady of Czestochowa for more than 31 years.
“I was baptized at this church,” she said. “I am also the artistic director and choreographer of Dance Group Wawel, the church’s Polish folk dance troupe for 15 years.”
Krozel said Holy Week is always busy.
“We attended church Thursday to Sunday, each day having special significance for Easter. On Friday, my mom would always prepare food and the Easter basket for the Święconka on Saturday. This tradition has been since passed down to me and my siblings in our own homes.
“Easter and Święconka are a rebirth of the warm season for me. Spring has arrived, summer is coming soon and Easter is the first holiday of the year that brings my family close together.”
The faithful bring their baskets and food to be blessed to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church at 1731 Blalock Rd. in Houston on Holy Saturday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 noon.
Krozel reminds potential attendees that the blessing at noon is usually the busiest.
“Most families can add whatever they would like into their basket. My aunt provides dog food in hers and electrolyte gels for her cyclist husband. I’ve even seen bottles of wine in baskets before!”
But there’s more to it than just the blessing of the baskets.
“The Polish School also organizes fun activities for all the kids attending, such as an Easter egg hunt, face painting, etc.,” Krozel said.
“We are a small parish, about 400 families,” Father Rusnak said. “But, for Święconka, we have upwards of 2,000 people that come to have their baskets and foods blessed. And it’s not just Polish people. It’s many people from around the area, too.”
For more information, visit polishchurchhouston.com.