Byzantine Easter Basket

[angelic06]

As the season of Great and Holy Lent draws to a close, I am posting this link to a website describing the Byzantine concept of an Easter basket for those of us Latins and others not too terribly familiar with Byzantine Easter traditions. If you read through the ingredients list, the symbolism is very rich and beautiful.

“As we partake may we be filled with Your generous gifts and unspeakable goodness.”

(priest as he blesses the dairy products)

 

[ByzCathCantor]

The foods that are blessed are typically meats, dairy products and other items given up during the Great Fast.

That said, each is generally ascribed a symbolic meaning associated with Pascha, according to tradition of each Particular Church.

Here’s a link to a popular flyer that explains how to put together a traditional Easter basket (Slavic tradition). It also has some commentary on the symbolism associated with each.

 

[rdorseyhsd]

Pascha at Our Lady of Wisdom

 

[rdorseyhsd]

a better view of the stand

 

[Patchunky]

CHIRSTOS VOSKRES!

The blessing of Easter foods is not just a Byzantine tradition, you will find it practiced by Roman Catholics through out all of Central and Eastern Europe as well.

Here is an article from Transylvania…

hungarianambiance.com/2014/04/several-thousand-people-attended.html

 

[Ontheway]

Blessing of
Easter baskets is practiced in Poland as well. Recently it is gaining popularity in Catholic parishes in the US. My parish started the practice this year, following the example of neighboring churches. I prepare an Easter basket every year.