Polish Culture
Some insights into daily life, culture, traditions, and holidays of Poland as told by me.
Polish Culture
I don't know why we humans do the strange things we do but I can certainly tell you what those strange things are in the posts below.
Dziady: The Slavic Celebration of the Dead
Although Halloween in the American sense has been celebrated in Poland only in the last 20 years or so, Polish tradition has always had a celebration of the dead on 31 October, stemming back to its pagan roots.
Runway the Polish Way: 5 Fashion Designers You Didn't Know Were Polish
Poland represents not just in modeling but also in fashion design. Here are the high fashion and prêt-à-porter brands that have Polish designers at their helm.
The Gold of the North: Polish Baltic Amber
Poland’s Baltic coast is ideal for finding amber. Read on to find out how this gemstone came to be and the many uses and myths surrounding it.
Midsummer’s Night Magic: Poland’s Noc Kupały
Taking place during the shortest night of the year, Noc Kupały involves rituals of fire and water, both sources of cleaning.
Majówka: The Long Holiday Weekend
The first three days of May are known as majówka in Poland. This series of public holidays have come to be know as the official start to the grilling season. But more than celebrate spring, majówka celebrates Labor Day (Święto Pracy), Flag Day (Dzień Flagi), and Constitution Day (Święto Narodowe 3 Maja).
Pisanki: Polish Easter Eggs
Pisanki are traditional Polish Easter eggs that are elaborately decorated in bright colors and traditional folk patterns, either representing a region or simply general motifs of spring and nature. There is a long and rich history to this tradition, with its roots reaching back to Poland’s pagan beliefs.
The Coming of Spring in Poland: Marzanna and Prima Aprilis
To celebrate the coming of the new season and everything it traditionally symbolizes – rebirth and renewal as well as optimism and joy, Poles take part in two popular traditions: the burning or drowning of Marzanna and prima aprilis.
So You’ve Been Invited to – or are Planning – a Polish Wedding
Polish weddings celebrations are a big deal – they are just as much a celebration for the whole family and all the guests as they are a celebration of the bride and groom. Here are only a few Polish wedding traditions and customs that make the celebration so unique.
Kolęda: An (Old) New Year Tradition in Poland
The tradition of Polish caroling, kolędowanie, is how early Poles would offer blessings of prosperity and success and usher in the new year.
Is There a Traditional Polish Santa Claus?
Who comes to visit Polish children and brings them gifts on Christmas Eve? Does the man in the red suit look different in Poland? You may be surprised at the answers; read on to find out.
A Pagan Polish Christmas Eve
Most Poles don’t know or don’t give thought to what they celebrate on Christmas Eve, known as Wigilia, and that they are carrying on the pagan traditions of their forefathers when they sit down to dinner.
Andrzejki - A Night of Fortune Telling
During the long, chilly night of 29 November, Polish people get together for Andrzejki, the eve of St. Andrew’s Day. This is the one night of the year for fortune-telling and magic with roots in paganism.
Autumn in Poland
Autumn is officially the start of the cozy season – teas and herbal infusions are abundant. The scent of bonfires and smoke coming out of chimneys fills the air. Autumn is the most perfect season.
