The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

LENTEN CUSTOM

ON HOLY SATURDAY, THERE IS A POLISH FAMILY TRADITION
WHERE THEY THANK GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS BY BRINGING
A BASKET WITH HAM (A PIECE), A RING OF KIELBASA,
BEETS, HARD BOILED EGGS, SALT AND PEPPER, BREAD AND
A BUTTER LAMB, AND CHOCOLATE EGGS TO THE CHURCH AND
THE PRIEST BLESSES THE BASKETS. IT SYMBOLIZES THAT
YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE FOOD TO EAT ALL YEAR AND THE
BASKET IS NOT EATEN UNTIL AFTER MIDNIGHT MASS.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; PORT CHESTER

Date learned: NOT GIVEN