The Easter Basket has become a popular Easter gift to give family members and friends but its origins and meaning are far more symbolic for this holy time of year.
During Lent and the preparation of Easter, we are called to forgo some good things as a way of mortification. This is meant to unite us more closely to Christ’s passion and death. As such the basket was prepared for Easter, filled with items that have been given up during Lent. Thus, on Easter Sunday, we may again begin feasting on these things.
It is understood that this custom originated in Poland and it is still a very hallowed tradition in Polish communities. The baskets are eagerly filled with sweets, bread, meat and cheeses (and sometimes more) and carefully decorated with leaves and flowers. A beautiful cloth lines the basket and another decorated linen is lain over the top. This veils the contents of the basket, just as Christ was hidden in the tomb until Easter Morning.
Once the preparation is complete on Holy Saturday, the baskets are taken with pride to the Church to be blessed.
After this, they lay waiting until Easter Morning when Christ has risen. When finally morning comes, the baskets are unveiled and the contents are enjoyed for breakfast to celebrate the resurrection.
My husband first introduced this custom to me and over the last few years I have begun to realise the importance of the Easter Basket Tradition. The more I research, the more I want my children to learn the significance of mortification in Lent and then the joy that comes with Easter.
Easter, the holiest of days should not be reduced to mere eating of chocolate eggs, but rather a realised delight in Christ’s redemption for us. What better way to instill this understanding than to live it out in such a tangible way.
As we prepare our basket this year, I am reminded of the way children learn the truths of our faith. They learn through these traditions that impart a real meaning of the Church’s mysteries.
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