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A Polish Easter tradition will be celebrated in Guernsey this weekend.
Święconka means 'the blessing of the Easter baskets' and it is known as one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions on Holy Saturday during Easter.
Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to churches to be blessed by parish priests on Holy Saturday.
In Guernsey, this occasion will be held at St Joseph's Church at 11:00.
Later on the same day, members of the Catholic community will gather again at St Joseph's Church to mark the Solemn Easter Vigil and First Mass of Easter.
The blessing of the Easter baskets is a Polish tradition believed to date back to the very earliest years in the country's history.
Pictured: Foods blessed during Święconka are said to represent Jesus, his body, and his resurrection.
Poland's history dates back to 966 when Duke Mieszko I, who ruled several western Slavic tribes, consolidated his power by being baptised and marrying a Bohemian princess. This is symbolically regarded as the creation of Poland (Culture P1) and if Święconka dates back to the very early years in Poland's history then it is arguably more than 1,000 years' old.
It has its roots in early-medieval Christian society and possibly originated from a pagan ritual marked in European countries at the time.
It is known now to be observed by Catholics in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, and other Polish communities around the world.
Baskets, traditionally lined with white linen or lace and filled with Easter foods are presented for a blessing by the Priest who will sprinkle holy water on the offerings.
Some items which the baskets may contain include eggs; symbolising life and the resurrection of Jesus, bread; symbolising Jesus' body; lamb; representing Christ, salt; representing purification, horseradish; symbolising the 'bitter sacrifice of Christ', and ham; said to be symbolic of "great joy and abundance". (Wikipedia).
1,706 people living in Guernsey in March 2022 were registered as having moved here from somewhere in Europe (not including the other Crown Dependencies, the UK, Ireland, Portugal, or Latvia).
This meant around 3% of Guernsey's population was made up of people from 'Other European' countries two years ago.
A decade ago, the Polish population was described by one of the island's Catholic priests as being around 200 permanent residents, boosted annually by the arrival of seasonal workers.
Father Stanisław Gibziński (Father Stan) was the first Polish priest in the island. He hosted Święconka at St Joseph's Church for the first time in 2009 (St Peter Port Townie magazine).
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