Polish Language Blog
Menu
Search

The Assumption of Mary holiday in Poland Posted by on Aug 11, 2017 in Culture, Religion

The Assumption of Mary, or the Day of Assumption (Wniebowstąpienie Maryi), is an annual public holiday in Poland on August 15. It is also Polish Army Day (Święto Wojska Polskiego) as it is connected with the anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw in 1920. This battle was considered a breakthrough battle – it decided not only Poland’s independence but it also blocked the spread of communism and Soviet totalitarianism in Europe during the 1920s. .

The Assumption of Mary has been celebrated since the fourth century CE as it was an important date in Christian history. However it wasn’t until Pope Pius XII ruled that it would be an official holiday in 1950.

The Day of Assumption is an official public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in Poland also known as the Day of the ‘Herbal’ Mother of God, is celebrated in the Catholic Church all over the world. In Poland, it is usually connected with the custom of blessing and offering gifts of herbs, cereals, vegetables and flowers.

The Sanctuary of Jasna Góra in Częstochowa is a major destination point for pilgrims throughout and beyond Poland. Many pilgrims pray and sing while walking hundreds of kilometers for days.

Many people in Poland attend church masses on the Day of Assumption. A number of churches have services to remember Polish soldiers who died fighting for their country. Gatherings take place at some cemeteries where readings are made in honor of dead soldiers. Another ceremonious event on August 15 is the Change of Guards near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw.

Keep learning Polish with us!

Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.

Try it Free Find it at your Library
Share this:
Pin it

About the Author: Kasia

My name is Kasia Scontsas. I grew near Lublin, Poland and moved to Warsaw to study International Business. I have passion for languages: any languages! Currently I live in New Hampshire. I enjoy skiing, kayaking, biking and paddle boarding. My husband speaks a little Polish, but our daughters are fluent in it! I wanted to make sure that they can communicate with their Polish relatives in our native language. Teaching them Polish since they were born was the best thing I could have given them! I have been writing about learning Polish language and culture for Transparent Language’s Polish Blog since 2010.


Comments:

  1. Edward Pindral:

    What does “fourth century CE” mean.

  2. Ed B:

    I always enjoy your emails