POLISH TRADITIONS Michał Kosik

CHRISTMAS IN POLAND  Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration, as it is in most of the western world. Unlike in many other countries, St. Nicholas does not play a major role in the Christmas holiday, but instead is celebrated on his saint feast of December 6.

ADVENT Advent  Special tasks carried out during Advent are the baking of the Christmas piernik (gingerbread), and the making of Christmas decorations. Pierniki are made in a variety of shapes, including hearts, animals and St. Nicholas figures. Traditional decorations include the pajaki, which are handmade stars and decorated eggshells.  Christmas Trees are decorated and lit the day of Christmas Eve and others are placed in most public areas, outside churches and in homes. Traditionally the trees are decorated with shiny apples, walnuts, wrapped chocolate shapes, hand blown glass baubles, and many homemade ornaments and candles. On the top of the tree is a star or a glittering top piece. In many homes, sparklers are hung on the branches of the trees for ambiance. Sometimes the trees are left standing until February 2, the feast day of St. Mary of the Candle of Lightning.

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS EVE  In Poland, Christmas Eve is a day first of fasting, then of feasting. The feast begins with the appearance of the first star; there is no meat (except fish) in the feast, and it is followed by the exchange of gifts. The following day is often spent visiting friends. In Polish tradition, people combine religion and family closeness at Christmas time. Although gift giving plays a major role in the rituals, emphasis is placed more on making special foods and decorations.

CHRISTMAS EVE

CAROLS KOLEDY - CAROLS  Christmas carols are not heard in Poland until after the Christmas Vigil Mass and the Christmas season often runs until February 2nd. Until the 17th century, most of the religious music, including Christmas music, was Latin in origin. When Polish words and melodies began to become popular in the church, they were not written down, but rather taught to the people by rote.

Święconka the blessing of the Easter baskets

 Święconka (Polish pronunciation)meaning "the blessing of the Easter baskets," is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions on Holy Saturday. While originally observed by Polish Americans in the U.S., it has become increasingly mainstream in U.S and is starting to grow in the U.K. as the Polish go there to live. Catholic churches, being observed by a wide cross-section of parishes. Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday tradition

 More traditional Polish churches uses a straw brush for aspersing the water; others use the more modern metal holy water sprinkling wand. In some parishes, the baskets are lined up on long tables; in others, parishioners process to the front of the alter carrying their baskets, as if in a Communion line. Older generations of Polish Americans, descended from early 19th century immigrants, tend to bless whole meal quantities, often brought to church halls or cafeterias in large hampers and picnic baskets.

Name days in Poland

1 January 2 February 3 March 4 April 5 May 6 June 7 July 8 August 9 September 10 October 11 November 12 December In Poland, name days (Polish: imieniny) are widely celebrated, and most calendars contain the names celebrated each day. Name day celebrations in Poland traditionally involve a gathering of friends and family at the celebrant's home at the dinner table, followed by drinking and socializing, similarly to birthday celebrations. The song "Sto lat" is sometimes sung. Children, and often adults too, receive presents, just like on their birthday. Name days in Poland

The end Micha ł Kosik