POLISH worshippers in Lliswerry held a traditional Easter blessing ceremony over the weekend.

Święconka, meaning "the blessing of the Easter baskets," dates back to the early history of Poland and is also observed by expatriates and their descendants in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and other Polish communities.

Holy Saturday morning saw St Patrick’s Church in Cromwell Road filled with Polish families arriving with their Easter Baskets full of beautifully presented food. St Patrick’s church is unique as the only Catholic parish in Newport that observes this tradition.

It began some five years ago with a few people who arrived with their baskets. Parish Priest Father Brian Cuddihy then blessed the food.

Father Cuddihy began by welcoming the large congregation in Polish. After prayers the many baskets of food which had been laid along the altar rail were blessed with Holy Water.

“Over the last few years it has grown into a beautiful service in which the whole Polish community participates,” Sue Bell, parish correspondent, said. “Święconka is certainly a very joyous occasion, and those non Polish parishioners who attended felt very privileged to witness the event.”

The tradition of food blessing dates from the 12th century, though a much earlier date can be attributed in its basic form, the more modern form containing bread and eggs (symbols of resurrection and Christ).

The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood (bukszpan), the typical Easter evergreen. The Polish take special pride in preparing a decorative and tasteful basket with crisp linens, occasionally embroidered for the occasion, and boxwood and ribbon woven through the handle.

Food in the baskets includes horseradish (bitter to symbolise Jesus’s suffering), eggs to symbolise life and the resurrection and salt to represent purification.

Baskets blessed in the church remains untouched, according to local traditions, until either Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.