STAGE 6 – CELEBRATIONS in France, Poland & Turkey by the Polish Comenius Team

Historical celebrations The French and Polish students mentioned two and three important dates respectively. In both countries people remember dates connected with WWII – especially 11th November. The days are bank holidays (8th May and 11th Nov in France and 11th November and 3rd May in Poland). In Poland special attention is paid to 1st September (it is not a bank holiday though)– the first day of WWII (and the first day of school for Polish students)

11th November …is celebrated both in France and Poland …on this day we remember people who died in WWI …in Poland it is also the anniversary of regaining independence

11 th November : parades, gatherings, displays and spectacles.

Why is it important to remember these dates? They are landmarks in our history Our ancestors fought for our freedom A part of our identity We learn history and culture A link between younger and older generations

Religious celebrations There are two important religious celebrations in each country. In France and Poland it is Christmas and Easter. In Turkey it is Ramadan and the Muslim Sacrificial festivals

In all three countries each holiday is a time spent with family, with good food and unique traditions. Try to identify the traditions. Which country are they from? Which holiday is it?

Hiding chocolate eggs in the garden - France

Baclava – Ramadan - Turkey

Christmas food in France

Blessing of the Easter Food - Poland

Muslim Sacrificial Festival - Turkey

Sharing wafer at Christmas - Poland

Family celebrations In Poland the most important family celebrations are birthday and weddings. In France weddings, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are the most important family celebrations. Laura, France: Agnieszka, Poland: Typically, a wedding lasts one or two days. A bride and groom will invite relatives on the wedding. Day of wedding is a very important for family bride and groom. A groom is wearing black suit. A bride is wearing long, white dress. She does have a veil. They are taking a married in church, then they going to a wedding party. On weddings often is a big wedding cake, and a lot of polish food for example chicken soup. Guests are dancing and have a good time. They are very happy. A religious wedding takes place in a chuch like we see sometimes in films, the bride wears a beautiful white dress and the groom is usually dressed in black and sometimes in white too. The bride comes up the aisle with typical wedding music. The priest asks the famous french wedding question : « Voulez vous prendre pour epoux/femme » ( in english is : « do you take this man/girl to be your lawful wedded husband/wife » ). And then the priest declares them « husband and wife » and they are married for better and for worse ! A civil wedding takes place in a town hall. The newyweds invite their family and their friends to the wedding. There is a celebration where the bride and the groom wear wedding clothes. The bride and groom choose two people to be their witnesses, it's a friend or a people of their family. The mayor gives them a document witch they sign. And then they're husband and wife !

Regional festivals The country with the largest number of festivals is France With ??? different festivals five These festivals are: Film Festival in Cannes, Music Festival, Mimosa Celebration, Book Festival and Orange Celebration.

Your favourite festival The most favourite festival for the Polish and French students is definitely Christmas. It’s not all about presents, huh???

Thank you for your attention