Easter basket: what to put and what is forbidden to sanctify

Easter is a bright and important holiday for believers, heralding the resurrection of Christ. It is believed that as long as the bells are ringing and people cheerfully greet each other with the words "Christ is Risen," love and kindness will prevail in the world. Most people try to visit a church on a holiday, as well as consecrate an Easter basket. What can and cannot be put in it is in the Izvestia material.

What should be in the Easter basket in 2025

The Easter basket is a symbol of resurrection and spiritual joy, not just a set of products. The main thing is not the quantity of products, but the correct meaning.

• Cottage cheese Easter is a symbol of purity, joy, and resurrection. It is often shaped like a truncated pyramid with the letters "XB" (Christ is Risen).;
• kulich is a rich yeast bread with raisins, nuts and icing. This is the prototype of artos, the leavened bread from the apostles' meal after the Resurrection of Christ.;
• colored eggs are a symbol of a new life. The first egg is painted red as a reminder of the Savior's blood.

Additionally, you can put:

• Thursday's salt as a symbol of protection from diseases;
• Cheese and butter are signs of wealth, joy, and completion of lent.;
• sausage, ham or meat can be added for a festive meal, but with moderation and reverence. Everything that was forbidden during the fast is sanctified and returned to the house with a blessing.;
• some bread or prosphora;
• honey (as a sign of the sweetness of spiritual life);
• wine (only in symbolic quantities and better — church wine, cahors).

The basket is decorated with embroidered towels, candles, flowers, greenery and the letters "XB" (Christ is Risen), which emphasizes its solemnity.

It is important to remember that everything that is put in the basket should be consecrated with faith and gratitude, and not for the sake of beauty or boasting.

Is it possible to sanctify medicine, vodka, salt, money

These questions are often asked of priests, and the answers to them depend on the context and intent.

Medicines

You can bring a small amount if it is done with faith and asking God for help in healing. However, such objects are consecrated with a special blessing or at special prayer services for health, and not necessarily at Easter.

Vodka and alcohol

Strong alcohol is out of place in an Easter basket. Only wine is consecrated as a symbol of Communion and spiritual joy. Vodka, cognac, etc. should not be brought — it is disrespectful to the shrine, even if the intentions are good.

Salt

Salt is one of the ancient symbols of purity and strength, and it can be consecrated, especially when it comes to Thursday salt prepared with prayer. However, it is better to check with the priest in a particular church.

Money

Money is not sanctified. They can be donated to the temple, but they don't fit in the Easter basket. This is not an object of blessing, but a means of helping.

What can not be consecrated in the church on Easter

There is not only tradition in the temple, but also a reverent approach to the shrines. The Easter blessing should not turn into a "general fair."

It is absolutely inappropriate and should not be put in the Easter basket:

• alcohol, except cahors;
• cigarettes;
• knives, needles, sharp objects;
• money, wallets;
• toys, jewelry, cosmetics;
• products not intended for food (for example, gifts or packages);
• lean foods are not sanctified, as they are not intended for a festive meal.;
• products with animal blood, such as black pudding.

Not recommended:

• vegetables and fruits have no symbolic meaning in the Easter context;
• ready meals (salads, snacks) may violate sanitary rules and distort the essence of consecration.

It should be remembered that it is not just food that is consecrated, but a symbol of the festive joy of believers. The main thing about Easter is the desire and willingness of believers to meet the risen Christ with a pure heart and gratitude.