A traditional, religious Easter (Pascha) basket is assembled by lining a wicker basket with a white, often embroidered, cloth to hold foods blessed for Easter Sunday. It features paska bread, eggs (pysanky), butter (often lamb-shaped), meats (sausage/ham), cheese, salt, horseradish, and a white candle, covered in cloth.

Prepare the Basket

• Select the Basket: Use a traditional wicker basket.
• Line with Linen: Line the bottom with a clean white linen cloth, often embroidered with “Christ is Risen”.
• Base Layer: Add a small amount of decorative straw or just rely on the cloth to hold items firmly

Arrange the Symbolic Foods (Back to Front)

• Centerpiece: Place the Paska bread (rich, sweet bread) as the main centerpiece.
• Larger Items: Place meats (sausage, ham, or bacon) and the cheese behind the bread.
• Smaller Items: Arrange the pysanky (decorated hardboiled eggs) and butter (often shaped into a lamb) around the bread.
• Condiments: Include a small jar of horseradish mixed with beets and a small container of salt.

Add Religious Items

• Candle: Insert a white candle, often tied with ribbon, in the middle or side, representing Christ as the “Light of the World”.
• Cover: Cover the entire basket with a white cloth, traditionally embroidered, symbolizing the shroud of Christ.

Final Touches

• If for children, a smaller, separate basket may contain similar items plus chocolate bunnies or small fruits.
• Ensure items are secured so they can be carried to church for the blessing on Holy Saturday.