Archive for March, 2011
Red and white Posted by Kasia on Mar 18, 2011
Some people are confused with the Polish flag. Sometimes they see it only with red and white, sometimes white eagle appears on it as well. So I decided to explain it in today’s blog. The official Polish flag for general use consists simply of two horizontal fields of equal size, with the top one white…
Polish National Anthem Posted by Kasia on Mar 14, 2011
Just like in any other country, national anthem (hymn narodowy) is sung during important national holidays, games, in schools and on other occasions. I think it is pretty easy to learn and couple of my friends asked me to teach them the words. And that’s how I’ve got an idea for today’s blog. Polish National…
Przedwiośnie Posted by Kasia on Mar 11, 2011
We still have pretty heavy winter here in New Hampshire, but hopefully snow will melt soon…In Poland you can really feel przedwiośnie (early spring). That’s why I wanted to talk to you about polish rites for summoning spring (obrzędy przywoływania wiosny). I have to mention one holiday – The Annunciation of the Holy Virgin Mary…
Going to Hel! Posted by Kasia on Mar 7, 2011
Another great place to visit! Don’t be fooled by the name of the city. Nothing could be farther from Hell (piekło) than Hel itself. The Hel Peninsula, a narrow strip of land in northern Poland, is just 34 kilometers long, and at some points less than 200 meters wide. It can trace its origins back…
Polish last names – Polskie Nazwiska Posted by Kasia on Mar 4, 2011
A lot of times my friends ask me what does my maiden last name mean. It actually doesn’t mean anything. Also, it is not a typical Polish last name (it is Poterek). However you can definitely recognize a lot of typical Polish last names. Like all European cultures, the Polish last names are passed on…
Fat Thursday – Tłusty Czwartek Posted by Kasia on Mar 3, 2011
Today is Fat Thursday in Poland! “Tłusty Czwartek” is a traditional Polish feast, which is celebrated on the last Thursday before the beginning of the Lent, marking the last week of Carnival. Poles usually meet with their friends and eat a large amount of sweets – most popular are “pączki” – donuts filled with various filling…
Dolina Pięciu Stawów w Tatrach Posted by Kasia on Mar 2, 2011
This is probably the most beautiful place I have seen in Poland. If you are in Zakopane and have some extra time, you should definitely take at least one of the hikes listed below. And don’t forget the camera, because views are amazing! Now let me give you some details about this place. Five Ponds…