Blessing of the Baskets took place in Kilcullen

The Blessing of the Baskets, a traditional Polish Easter custom, was held this afternoon in Kilcullen Parish Church, writes Brian Byrne.

Fr Martin Harte performed the ritual, for which there was a large attendance that reflects the significant numbers of people from eastern Europe who have come here to make Kilcullen their homes.

Families brought their baskets to the ceremony, in Polish they are called Swieconka baskets. They contain butter, a traditional Easter bread, horseradish, eggs and pisanki, sausage, ham, smoked bacon, salt, cheese, holy water, and a candle, all covered in a traditionally embroidered linen cloth. 

The Blessing of the Baskets was initiated in Kilcullen in 2014, but didn't happen during the pandemic.

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