Changes

Let’s return to blessing formulas. We know already that three formulas are used in Poland today, but there used to be way more. There were seven in the 1960s; altogether, over 50 different benedictions, each for a&nbsp;different kind of food, were said over the years.<ref>M. Pisarzak (2003), s. 100–101</ref> Salt was being blessed as a&nbsp;symbol of wisdom and immortality; horseradish, penitence; milk and honey, of the promised land; oil, as protection against disease and sin; and fruits, as a&nbsp;reminder of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.<ref>M. Pisarzak (1976), s. 215–217, 224–225</ref> But most importantly, the blessing of all this food and drink was believed to protect those who consumed it after a&nbsp;long period of fasting from possible ill effects of sudden overindulgence. Here’s one old Polish blessing formula in which God is requested to let people eat fatty meat without gaining weight. Which is also what I wish for you this coming Easter.