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lt is often the centerpiece of the
traditional Easter basket that is blessed on Easter Sunday. A traditional basket usually contains
smoked meats, sausage, butter, hrudka (a sweet custard-like cheese), bread, salt, horseradish
and pysanky eggs. Since Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians fast during Lent, the food in the
basket is not eaten until after Mass on Easter Sunday. Each food item in the basket is symbolic of a
Paska is a Slovak bread that is traditionally eaten during Easter.
religious theme. Paska represents Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, and is considered to be the most
importantfood in the basketto be blessed. Paska istypically baked into a round loaf and usually
features a dough braid around the edge along with a decorative cross or other religious symbols
made from dough placed on top.
A candle in each basket is lighted, and the priest walks down the line of baskets sprinkling them with
holy water as he pronounces his blessing.