Easter in Poland is one of the most important holidays. In religion is more significant than Christmas. That’s why we have a lot of traditions and customs. Some of them may be suprising for foreigners. The entire week before Easter is called Holy Week and religious ceremonies start from Sunday.
Palm Sunday
7 days before the Easter Sunday people gather for a prossecion with palms in their hands. This tradition came from Jerusalem where people have thrown palm branches in front of Jesus. Due to climate the palm trees changed to “artificial palms”. Many polish towns organize palms competitions. The most famous take place in Lyse in the Kurpie region and in village Lipnica Murowana. I was several times and and this is great opportunity to see Polish folklore.
Easter Saturday
Polish families bring baskets of food to church to have these blessed as well. These b
askets traditionally contain a piece of sausage, bread, egg, some salt and others related to the family’s tradition. In addition ‘pisanki’ are included – painted boiled eggs which are prepared by the whole family or children. Each of these components of the basket has a symbolic meaning: the eggs and meat symbolise new life,the salt protects against bad spirits.
Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday – the most important day of Holly Week we are enjoying time with families. The traditional family breakfast is served, including the blessed food and many other delicious specialities. It’s also time when everyone wishes each other all the best. It’s time to celebration, meeting with family but it’s also mainly about food. We gather in the morning and we start from Easter baskets, later is Zurek ( rye soup), Mazurek( decoratively cake) and other traditional foods like. After the breakfast is finished, people take a walk and children are looking gifts from bunny.
Easter Monday
The second day of Easter is also non-working. Known as Smingus Dyngus the day is dominated by public water fights. Be careful because you can be wet! Happy Easter!
