Easter/Pascha basket
As excerpted from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USAThe Pascha/Easter basket holds a cherished place in Christian cultures, and in the Ukrainian Orthodox tradition, it is both a deeply spiritual and beautifully symbolic custom that blends faith, folk heritage, and the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. Its history and development reflect the journey of the Church through time, with roots stretching back to early Christian practices, shaped by centuries of Ukrainian religious life and culture.
The tradition of bringing food to church for blessing dates back to the earliest centuries of Christianity. In the early Church, particularly during the time of fasting in Great Lent, Christians abstained from meat, dairy, and rich foods. When Pascha (Easter) arrived, it was customary to bring these now-permitted foods to the church to be blessed before breaking the fast.
Over time, this evolved into the ritual of preparing a basket filled with foods that had been forbidden during Lent. The custom spread throughout the Christian world, but in Slavic lands - especially Ukraine - it developed unique characteristics enriched by local piety, symbolism, and artistry.
In Ukraine, the Easter basket (Великодній кошик) became a central feature of Pascha celebrations. By the medieval period, especially with the Christianization of Kievan Rus’ in 988 under Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince Volodymyr the Great, the blessing of food was integrated into liturgical and parish life.
Throughout centuries, the tradition was preserved through war, occupation, and diaspora. It flourished in village churches and was lovingly maintained by Ukrainian immigrants around the world.
Contents and Symbolism Each item in the Ukrainian Easter basket has a symbolic meaning rooted in the Christian faith:
Paska: A round, sweet bread adorned with crosses or braids, symbolizing Christ, the Bread of Life.
Kovbasa (sausage): A symbol of God’s generosity and abundance, now permissible after Lent.
Cheese and Butter: Represent the richness and joy of the Resurrection.
Salt: A biblical symbol of purity, preservation, and the covenant with God.
Horseradish with beetroot: Signifies the bitterness of Christ’s Passion tempered with the joy of His Resurrection.
Hard-boiled or decorated eggs (especially pysanky and krashanky): Represent new life and the Resurrection, with pysanky bearing elaborate, prayerful designs.
Candles: Placed in the basket and lit during the blessing, representing the light of Christ risen from the tomb.
A white cloth (often embroidered): Covers the basket and signifies purity and the burial shroud of Christ.
After the Paschal Divine Liturgy, or in some parishes on Holy Saturday evening, faithful bring their baskets to be blessed by the priest. The priest chants prayers and sprinkles the baskets with holy water, joyfully proclaiming “Христос Воскрес!” (Christ is Risen!), to which the faithful respond, “Воістину Воскрес!” (Indeed He is Risen!).
The blessing is often accompanied by singing, bells, and a sense of community celebration. In Ukraine, people might gather outside the church in long rows; in diaspora parishes, gymnasiums, church halls, or outdoor spaces echo with the joy of the Resurrection.
Today, the Pascha/Easter basket is a vibrant expression of Ukrainian Orthodox identity. Whether in Kyiv, Lviv, Washington or Sydney, the faithful carefully prepare their baskets with reverence and gratitude. Many families teach children the meaning behind each item, passing on not just a tradition, but a living faith.
