Holy Saturday in Poland

Many churches in Poland observe Holy Saturday. It is the day after Good Friday, which commemorates Jesus’ death, and the day before Easter Sunday (Wielkanoc), which remembers his resurrection.

People bringing in Easter baskets to be blessed in a church in Poland.

©iStockphoto.com/kulicki

What do people do?

Many people in Poland bring baskets filled with Easter food to their churches for a special blessing on Holy Saturday. It is traditionally believed that baskets should at least include bread, eggs, salt, smoked meat, cheese, horseradish, and cake. Some people add chocolate and fruit to their Easter basket these days.

Public life

Holy Saturday is not an official public holiday in Poland.

Background

Many Christians in Poland and in other countries worldwide observe Holy Saturday, which is the day before Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

Symbols

Easter eggs symbolize rebirth and life’s victory over death, while bread symbolizes Jesus Christ’s body. Smoked meat is believed to give good health, wealth, and fertility, while salt wards off evil. Cheese represents friendship, horseradish symbolizes strength and fitness, and cake signifies skills.

About Holy Saturday in other countries

Holy Saturday Observances

Related holidays

• Easter Day ―Sunday, March 31, 2013
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 1, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013

Other holidays in March 2013 in Poland

• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Easter Day ―Sunday, March 31, 2013