In Poland we celebrate Easter with traditional customs such as blessing the basket, painting Easter eggs, sharing a symbolic egg and remembering Jesus rising from the dead according to Catholic faith.

Lined with a white, linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood (bukszpan), the baskets we bless contain a sampling of Easter foods: pisanki, a piece of sausage or ham, salt and pepper, bread, a piece of cake and an Easter lamb either made of sugar or plastic. They are brought to church to be blessed.

Much like the British, Poles buy a lot of chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs at Easter. The Easter bunny brings children presents in small baskets on Easter Sunday morning. There are also Easter egg hunts conducted in homes and gardens across the country, where children search for gifts and eggs.

The holiday holds great significance for Poles, marking a time of spiritual renewal, family togetherness and the celebration of traditions. Easter is a time for us to connect with cultural heritage and share traditions with others.

Every year Easter is celebrated in a similar way at Antokol. This year as always residents and staff received chocolate eggs. Traditional baskets were brought to our dining room for blessings and Fr Janusz and our Home Manager, Joanna wished everyone a happy Easter. Before lunch residents and staff shared symbolic eggs (which are a sign of new life), wishing each other all the best. Our English residents, who are part of our family, enjoyed all the Polish traditions!