Wielkanoc it is the most important holiday in the Christian tradition and at the same time the oldest. It is celebrated in memory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on every first Sunday after the spring full moon, and is preceded by a period of Lent. This holiday is also associated with beautiful Polish traditions and customs - some of them are still cultivated, while others are already somewhat forgotten.
Still living traditions
There are many traditions that are practiced by Poles. They make Easter unique, and also carry significant symbolic meanings. It is worth remembering about them because, on the one hand, they evoke childhood memories, and on the other, they shape Polish identity.
Spring cleaning
The Polish tradition is to carry out thorough cleanup. This is not only of practical and aesthetic significance. First of all, it is a symbol of sweeping out of the house of winter, and with it all evil and disease are to go away.
Palm Sunday
The week before Easter, there is a holy mass on which palm trees are brought. Currently, they symbolize happiness, but they must be sacrificed first. In the past, however, household members were beaten with them, which was to save them from misfortune. They were also stuck behind pictures or put in a jug, which was to additionally prevent the neighbors from being malicious.
Easter basket
Holy Saturday is the time to prepare Easter baskets, called "święconka". There is a lamb that symbolizes Jesus Christ. Due to the end of Lent, święconka must also include meat and cold cuts. In memory of Christ's suffering, there must also be horseradish inside. Butter is also sainted as a symbol of prosperity and symbolizing the rebirth of an egg.
Easter egg, looking for a bunny, monday
Due to the fact that the egg symbolizes life and rebirth, it reigns on the Polish table. They are additionally colored, among others to red, which is supposed to mean love and heart. The time for children is also made more pleasant by looking for a bunny who has traditionally hid gifts somewhere. On the other hand, Easter is followed by a wet Monday, during which you can boldly pour water on yourself - as long as the temperatures are not too low.
What traditions are forgotten?
In addition to the still alive and practiced traditions, there are also some that are somewhat forgotten. These include in particular the following:
- drowning Judas - during Holy Wednesday, young people made Judas from straw and old clothes, which was thrown into a pond, river or swamp. In this way, justice was administered to him
- great rattling - when the church bells stopped, it was a time of mischief. At that time, children were running around with rattles and scared the people they met
- hanging the herring and melting the sour rye soup - a symbolic farewell to Lent. In the past, in this period, mainly sour rye soup and herring were eaten - that is why the former was melted and the fish were nailed to the tree
Polish Easter traditions and rituals, i.e. what is worth remembering - It is worth remembering about tradition
Polish culture is full of beautiful traditions and customs. It is worth remembering about them because they shape our sense of Polish identity. At the same time, they are a way to make Easter holidays special and solemn. So we wish you a Merry Christmas, a tasty egg and
