The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Holy Saturday Blessing of Food

The Saturday before Easter in the Polish community is called
Holy Saturday. A loaf of bread, usually home made, butter, salt,
pepper, colored eggs and water in a small bottle are taken to
church in a basket lined with linen cloth to be blessed. This is
the only food that is allowed to be eaten that day. It is a day of
prayer and not celebration.

Submitter comment: This custom has been followed for many generations. It is
still a day of mourning for Christ who has not yet risen from the
dead.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK

Date learned: 01-29-1992