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What should be in the Easter basket: a list of products that are blessed on Easter

The Easter basket is one of the most important symbols of the Resurrection of Christ. Each product included in this festive basket has its own spiritual meaning. Interestingly, the contents of the basket may vary depending on the region of Ukraine and local traditions, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports

What should be included in the Easter basket?

1. Easter cake. The most important symbol of this holiday is Easter cake, which personifies Jesus Christ himself, renewal, and prosperity. The process of baking Easter cake requires special conditions: it is important to be quiet, not to swear, to focus on positive thoughts, and to say a prayer before kneading the dough. The recipes and style of decorating Easter cakes are passed down from generation to generation and may vary from region to region.
2. Eggs. Another well-known attribute of this holiday is Easter eggs. Eggs symbolize the beginning of a new life, as well as protection and purification. It is believed that they are the embodiment of the Sun, life, and immortality of the soul.
3. Meat or sausage. The Easter basket is also filled with ham, homemade sausage, or lard, meat products that were forbidden to eat during Lent. It is a symbol of life, prosperity, strength, and joy. Some believers believe that the meat products in the Easter basket represent the fattened calf that was ordered to be slaughtered before the return of the prodigal son.
4. Salt. It is customary to put Thursday or ordinary salt in a festive basket, which has long been considered a talisman against evil, promoting purification and stability. Salt symbolizes purity and readiness to follow God. Consecrated salt can be used throughout the year, added to dishes for ailments, used as a talisman or even for ceremonies.
5. Horseradish. This element symbolizes the power of the spirit, purification and awakening. According to priests, horseradish makes the person who eats it stronger.
6. Cheese and butter. These products symbolize softness, sacrifice, tenderness, maternal care, and kindness. The presence of dairy products in the basket helps to achieve harmony in the family.
7. A festive towel. The Easter basket is usually covered with an embroidered towel with the inscription “Christ is Risen,” which symbolizes ancestral memory and spiritual protection. The thread used to make the towel also symbolizes life.
8. Greens. It is advisable to add herbs to the Easter basket, such as dill or parsley. This ingredient is a symbol of immortality, vitality and eternal life. Some housewives also add periwinkle to the basket, which is considered a powerful amulet for the home.
9. Acandle. Before the consecration of the Easter basket, believers light candles, which then purify the house from all evil. The candle is a source of light and spirituality.

In addition to these foods, the Easter basket is sometimes filled with wine or cahors, which is considered a symbol of spiritual unity and holiness, and is also a representation of the blood of Jesus Christ. However, in some regions of Ukraine there is an unspoken ban on the consecration of alcohol.

Author: Olya Yushko