This typically Polish tradition dates back to the 14th century.
On Holy Saturday people bring baskets of their Easter fare to church for a special blessing for all the different Easter foods.
The basket should contain at least seven kinds of food, each with its own symbolism. Bread, ensuring good fortune. Eggs stand for re-birth, life's victory over death.
Salt is a life-giving mineral, once believed to keep away all evil. Smoked meat ensures health, fertility and abundance. Horseradish is a symbol of strength and physical fitness.
Cake symbolises skills and perfection. A lamb made from butter or sugar symbolises the Passover offering of the Saviour.
Greenery, usually in the form of boxwood or branches of pussy willow, represents the awakening of the earth.
The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin.

The three-part blessing prayers specifically address the various contents of the baskets, with special prayers for the meats, eggs, cakes and breads. The priest then sprinkles the individual baskets with holy water.