Archive for December, 2017
Naming children in Poland Posted by Kasia on Dec 31, 2017
How are children’s names chosen in your country? Do you follow ancient naming traditions or are modern names more popular? Do you pass names down through family generations or invent new ones? Many Polish names are rooted in the names of Christian saints. It is quite common for people to celebrate their name-day, which is…
Special meaning of Polish Christmas traditions Posted by Kasia on Dec 25, 2017
In Poland, Advent is the beginning of Christmas Time. It’s a time when people try to be peaceful and remember the real reason for Christmas. People try not to have excess of anything. Some people give up their favorite foods or drinks and parties and discos are not widely held. Some people also go to…
Waiting for the first star in the sky during Wigilia Posted by Kasia on Dec 24, 2017
Many Poles wait until the first star appears in the sky before sitting down to eat on December 24th. This tradition commemorates the Star of Bethlehem, which according to the New Testament guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Christ. Nowadays, with so many satellites circling around the Earth and reflecting light, its sometimes…
Carp in the bathtub and hay under the tablecloth! Posted by Kasia on Dec 21, 2017
The Wigilia (Christmas eve) feast has some unusual traditions, most curiously placing a layer of hay under the tablecloth. It’s a way of remembering that Jesus was born among animals. In many Polish houses (especially in the countryside) it is customary to put some hay underneath the table cloth. After the food, family members would draw a…
Tradition of breaking wafer during Christmas Eve dinner in Poland Posted by Kasia on Dec 19, 2017
One of the most beautiful Polish Christmas customs is breaking of the “opłatek.” The “oplatek” is a thin wafer, made of flour and water. For table use, it is white. In Poland, colored wafers are used to make Christmas tree decorations. Formerly, these were baked by organists or by religious and were distributed from house…
Winter fun in Poland! Posted by Kasia on Dec 12, 2017
There’s much more to winter holidays in Poland than just skiing, although Poland is a very fine skiing location. Skiing not your thing? Try bison tracking, go on a sleigh ride, or relax in a winter spa! A popular tourist town all year long, Zakopane is a prime spot for spectacular selfies. Located at the…