The blessing of the Easter food baskets on Holy Saturday is a tradition among Roman Catholics around the world.  As to what goes into a food basket depends on the region one is from, the family's preferences, and financial means.  Instead of ham, for example, some place lamb in their baskets.  In wine-making regions, bottles of superior vintage go into the basket, and yet others add green spring vegetables to theirs. 

Common Basket Items--While tastes vary by region and family, the basket usually contains certain items:  butter, bread, horseradish, (decorated) eggs, sausage, ham and/or lamb, smoked meats, cheese, salt, and cake.  A candle is placed in the basket so it can be lit during the blessing, and some families tie a bow or ribbon around the basket handle. Everything is covered with a richly embroidered cloth that rests atop the food. 

Butter symbolizes the goodness of Christ that we should emulate toward others. It can be shaped into a fancy lamb mold or simply packed into a glass container with cloves arranged into a cross on the top. 

Easter Bread--A round loaf of sweetened yeast bread or cake studded with orange and lemon peel and raisins. It is a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. 

Horseradish is mixed with vinegar which is symbolic of the bitterness and harshness of Christ's passion, and sweetened with sugar or honey as a reminder of the Resurrection. 

Hard-Cooked Eggs are symbols of Easter, life, and prosperity, and Christ's Resurrection from the tomb. 

Sausage or Kielbasa links are symbolic of the chains of death that were broken when Jesus rose from the dead, as well as God’s favor and generosity. 

Ham or bacon is symbolic of great joy and abundance. Some households prefer veal or lamb, which reminds Christians that the risen Christ is the Lamb of God. 

Salt, a necessary element in physical life, is symbolic of prosperity and justice and is included in the basket to remind us that people are the flavor of the earth. 

Cheese is symbolic of the moderation Christians should have at all times.  

A candle, which will be lighted in a church at the blessing of the baskets, represents Christ as the Light of the World. 

Sweets—Fruit, candy, poppy seed and nut rolls, pastry items are promises of eternal life and the good things ahead. 

Easter Basket Decorations--Although traditions vary from family to family about what goes into the basket that is to be blessed on Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday, what seems to remain constant is the colorful ribbons and greenery, pussy willows, or dried flowers attached to the basket as signs of joy and new life in the season of spring and in celebration of the Resurrection. 

The other must is the richly embroidered cover that goes over the basket--this symbolizes Christ's burial shroud. It's usually made of linen or other fine cloth and is embroidered with religious symbols related to the Resurrection and the celebration of Easter. These basket covers are often passed down from generation to generation.  

Holy Spirit Food Blessing- 11:00 am, Chapel 

St. Joseph Food Blessing-3:30 pm, Church