Guest Author - Arleen Kaptur

The celebration of Easter in Poland includes very special
foods and recipes that have been handed down for generations.
Usually the cooking and baking begins on Holy Thursday.
The treasured Babka is baked. This rich cake is filled with
raisins, dried fruit, and the essence of lemon or orange. Each
lady of the house keeps their favorite recipe a "secret." Women
in Poland believe that their success as hostess and fine cooks
are based on serving special dishes, and preserving the tastes of
generations back. The Babka is a yeast raised cake and is as
traditional as the coloring of Easter eggs on Good Friday.

Easter eggs in Poland can be as simple as pastel colored
eggs placed in baskets
filled with bright ribbons and fine linens. Children enjoy
being part of this ritual. Some Polish people have created
exquisite eggs and artistically superb renditions of this
sign of Spring. Many times, centerpieces feature the eggs,
as well as embroidered fine table coverings that have been
saved for only very special occasions.

My favorite part of the Easter celebrations has been the
Blessing of the Baskets on Holy Saturday. These baskets are
usually passed on so that they represent the family of today
and those who are no longer present. The baskets contain a
sampling of all the foods of Easter, from meats, such as ham
and sausage, pork, turkey, and even goose, to hard boiled eggs,
salt, coffee, horseradish, and pastries. Special lamb molds
have made butter into shapes that will grace the meal.
Rings of Polish Sausage to sweet delights are placed in these
baskets that have been used by great grandparents and given
to the families so that they can have the privilege of presenting
a basket that has been lovingly gracing the Easter festivities.

The priest walks past all those holding their baskets, the
linens covering the contents having been folded back, and
holy water is sprinkled. These foods are then used at home
and they carry with them a very special meaning.

Lent is the preparation for the feast of Easter. People have
prepared their homes, and their hearts to greet Easter morning
as a time of renewal, prosperity, good health and the privilege
of carrying on the traditions that have made Polish homes the
havens of peace and love.
Wesoligo Alleleja!