What Goes on a Seder Plate?

The Seder plate is the ritual centerpiece of the Passover Seder. Six symbolic foods, each telling part of the Exodus story. Here's what goes where:

• Maror (bitter herbs, usually horseradish) — the bitterness of slavery
• Chazeret (a second bitter herb, often romaine lettuce) — the bitterness, again
• Charoset (apple, nut, and wine mixture) — the mortar the Israelites used in Egypt. Sweet, sticky, delicious.
• Karpas (a green vegetable like parsley) — spring and renewal. Dipped in salt water for the tears.
• Zeroa (a roasted shank bone, or a roasted beet for vegetarians) — the lamb offered at the Temple.
• Beitzah (a roasted egg) — mourning the destruction of the Temple, plus the cycle of life.

Many modern Seder plates also include space for an orange (symbolizing inclusion of LGBTQ+ and women in Jewish life) and an olive (peace in Israel/Palestine).

The plate itself is meant to be displayed front and center. From hand-painted ceramic to acrylic to fine porcelain by Spode and Nambé, there's a Seder plate for every kind of table. It's a piece you'll use every Passover — worth investing in one you love.