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Jola Dziubinska | all galleries >> POLAND - MY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY >> EASTER IN POLAND > Holy Saturday
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11-APR-2009 Jola Dziubinska

Holy Saturday

Warsaw, Poland

Holy Saturday is the final day of Holy Week, the final day of the traditional 40 day Lenten Fast, and a part of the Triduum. It commemorates Jesus lying in the tomb until his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

This day in Poland people bring baskets of their Easter fare to church for a special blessing for all the different Easter foods.
Swieconka, meaning "the blessing of the Easter baskets," is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions on Holy Saturday and dates back to the 14th century.
The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and should contain at least seven kinds of food, each with its own symbolism.
A Paschal Lamb, representing the Lamb of God, in Polish: baranek, can be made from cake, bread, sugar or butter and is often centerpiece of the food brought to the church. It symbolises the Passover offering of the Saviour.
Bread, ensuring good fortune is also a symbol of communion, the bread of the last supper. Cake symbolises skills and perfection.
Eggs, both decorated and plain, stand for re-birth, life's victory over death. Salt is a life-giving mineral, once believed to keep away all evil.
Smoked meat, usually ham or sausage (kielbasa), ensures health, fertility and abundance. Horseradish is a symbol of strength and physical fitness, bitter herbs signify the bitterness of the suffering of Christ.
Greenery, usually in the form of boxwood or branches of pussy willow represents the awakening of the earth.

The three-part blessing prayers specifically address the various contents of the baskets, with special prayers for the meats, eggs, cakes and breads. The priest then sprinkles the individual baskets with holy water.

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Harrison18-Apr-2009 01:35
Great shot!
J. Scott Coile12-Apr-2009 18:08
Very nice with excellent background.
Máire Uí Mhaicín12-Apr-2009 17:58
You observe these rituals and customs so very well, and this image with its accompanying information is a wonderful summary.
Inga Morozoff12-Apr-2009 15:35
Hope you and your family have had a wonderful Easter.
Antony Swiderski12-Apr-2009 10:51
Lovely image Jola. And a happy Easter to you and to yours............V
Guest 12-Apr-2009 08:45
Happy Easter to you and your family,Jola! :>)
laine12-Apr-2009 08:29
A lovely shot & tradition. Happy Easter, Jola.
Maaike Huizer12-Apr-2009 07:47
This is lovely. Gives a great impression.
And the text is very informative. Something learned.
John 12-Apr-2009 07:01
Beautiful shot, and a wonderful tradition.
Yvonne12-Apr-2009 06:49
Beautiful light through the pretty windows & reflecting from the
candles, delightful interior!
Kathryn12-Apr-2009 06:17
Love the photo and to learn about the Polish tradition
of Easter Saturday.
John12-Apr-2009 05:58
Very nice of you to keep us posted with the polish traditions during Easter Jola.
Cindi Smith12-Apr-2009 05:16
Beautiful, moving image and wonderful tradition. I love this....and my eggs and angel I received! V
Gerard Koehl12-Apr-2009 03:27
Superbe scène... V
Tomasz Dziubinski - Photography12-Apr-2009 02:37
Excellent, Vote.
carol j. phipps12-Apr-2009 02:32
A wonderful portrait, Jola! Thanks for sharing the history and meaning of the blessing of the baskets.
Gayle P. Clement12-Apr-2009 02:13
I enjoyed reading about your traditions and seeing this lovely photo of the church interior.
Guest 12-Apr-2009 01:37
I see you captured a photographer
Michael Shpuntov12-Apr-2009 01:35
Great shot. Difficult mixed light managed masterfully. Vote.
pr_rajan12-Apr-2009 01:03
...wonderful!~V~
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