Polish Holidays, part 2
We’ve already posted about some Polish holidays. This is the second part of our article, as Polish law recognizes 13 national holidays.
Polish holidays – Feast of Corpus Christi
As we already mentioned in the previous article – the majority of the Polish people are Roman Catholics. This day is celebrated 60 days after Easter. It commemorates the Most Holy Sacrament, the essence of Christianity. On this day religious processions march through the streets. Due to this fact, it is much harder to move around the cities. If you’re planning a trip on that day, we recommend that you depart earlier than usual.
During those processions, the children throw flower petals on the streets. This gesture symbolizes gratefulness towards God for giving us bread. In most cases, flower petals are thrown by the girls while the boys ring the bells.
Our Polish language course Wroclaw teaches a lot about Polish culture. In our Polish language school Wroclaw we offer a lot of outside-of-class events. Maybe one of them will be observing one of those processions?
Polish holidays – Epiphany
Polish people observe this feast on 6th January. According to the Catholic Church’s rules, it commemorates the baptism of Jesus, the wedding at Cana, and the visit of the Magi. However, there’s a great difference between ecclesiastical and folk observance.
Polish people commonly refer to this feast as a Three Kings Feast (Polish: Święto Trzech Króli). It is because the aforementioned Magi were mistranslated as the kings in the past. Also – The Bible doesn’t specify their number.
On this day Polish people often participate in the Cavalcade of Mage. In the Polish language, they’re called Orszak Trzech Króli (literally: The Cavalcade of Three Kings). Nativity plays are common during those cavalcades, as well as singing Christmas songs.
Polish holidays – All Saints’ Day
It’s the Catholic feast observed on 1st November. On that day the Church honors all saints in heaven, including those who remain unknown to history.
Polish tradition dictates that people go to the graveyards and light a candle for their departed relatives. On that day most people participate in the Masses on graveyards. It is a day off work and school, but it’s a sad day on which it is improper to organize a party.
In Poland, All Saint’s Day is often referred to as The Day of The Departed. This name was insisted on by the government during the communist period (1944-89). The politicians didn’t want to curb this tradition at all. However – they planned to remove any religious element from it.
Polish holidays – New Year
1st January is a day off in Poland. There are no particular traditions on that day. Most people use it as an occasion to regenerate after a New Year’s Eve party. However, there are some regional traditions. Greater Polish people often prank each other on that day. Also, there’s a curious tradition of having a carp’s scale in one’s wallet. Folk superstition has it that it will bring prosperity and money.
Summary
The Polish law recognizes 13 common holidays. Also, those who follow others, especially non-Christian religions, are allowed a day off for that occasion. It is granted by Article 42 of the Guarantee of the Freedom of Conscience and Religion Act. One should apply for it 7 days before the feast.
Our Polish language course in Wroclaw starts soon!
We’re proud to announce that our Polish language course in Wroclaw launches on 9th October! Conversational Polish class online or in person? In group or individual? Whatever you want – we got you covered!
In the Polish Dream language school, we offer a unique curriculum. Our teachers won’t give any photocopies or old school written exercises. We teach through conversations and our curriculum includes also:
- Cooking Polish dishes,
- Frequent sightseeing,
- Learning Polish history.
If you want to enroll, please send us an e-mail at: polishdream.wroclaw@gmail.com.