Easter traditions in Poland

The Easter holidays probably need no introduction – the most important Christian holiday, in memory of the death and resurrection of Jesus, which was the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of mankind and an establishment of the New Covenant, this time not only with one nation, but with all of humanity. Of course, during 2.000 years of its history and spreading to many different peoples and cultures, it started incorporating new symbols and traditions. In Poland, naturally, it has its own curiosities. It’s worth remembering that, especially in the countryside, those traditions are still very much alive, not simply a shadow of their former glory.

Easter begins with the Palm Sunday – according to the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey and people were welcoming him by throwing twigs and leaves at his feet, palm leaves among others. In Poland, because we don’t really have palms (excluding the artificial one in Warsaw;)), people are creating palms from different crops and flowers; in a village of Lipnica Murowana, south-east of Krakow, there is a competition for the highest one and some of them actually reach up to 30 metres!

On the Great Friday, the “Guarding of the Tomb” begins, lasting until the Great Sunday and the resurrection. Traditionally soldiers, but nowadays scouts and firemen stand guard by a symbolic tomb of Christ in a church. Quiet curiously, they are often called “Turki” (“the Turks”), as they often wear oriental clothing or weaponry – this tradition probably has its roots in the pilgrimages of Polish nobility of the XVIIth century to Jerusalem, where Turkish soldiers were guarding the Holy Sepulchre church.

The most important tradition for Polish people comes with the Great Saturday – it is “święconka”, which means roughly “a blessing”. It is a basket with a lot of different types of food – bread and cakes, eggs, meat. The basket should be decorated with fine embroidered linen or napkins. One of the cakes has to be in a shape of a sheep, symbolising the offering of Christ, the Lamb of God.

Polish kids are eagerly awaiting the Great Monday – which is known in Poland as “Śmigus-Dyngus”. This custom is known in the West as Wet Monday, because that’s what it is – people simply pour water on each other. Traditionally, it was a cleansing custom and also a courting ritual, by which boys used to show which girls they fancy. Nowadays, it’s just about pouring as many people as possible, so don’t be surprised if You won’t come back entirely dry!;)

One more very important practical piece of information – 99% of places are closed on Sunday and Monday!! And many already on Saturday as well. The 1% that is working..

That’s of course the Free Walking Tour!! Every day at 11 and 15, waiting for You!!