To go caroling with Turon required that at least one of the participants be dressed in some type of animal costume and mask. The crowd ate, drank and danced. Single girls pour hot, melted wax into a bowl of cold water, and the hardened wax is then held up to the light. Dyngus Day is a Polish and Polish-American celebration on Easter Monday to mark the completion of Lent, and this year, it falls on April 10. Fascinating how this and other native Eastern European practices have persevered under both Christianity and Communism. Easter in Poland is a beautiful Polish holiday that straddles Christian and pagan traditions. Wed love to hear how you embraced the myriad of Polish customs you encountered on your last visit. Every year on the night of 2nd November, the Polish people pay their respects to their late friends and relatives by lighting candles in cemeteries across Poland. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Another belief was that whichever one of the bridesmaids touched the bride or her wreath first after the marriage would marry that year. Large or small, the Polish open sandwich will include pretty much whatever you have lying in your fridge cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, egg, dill, whatever. Verm said that long-standing disputes can make it difficult for Pagans to cooperate at times. What would be more surprising to see would be people dressed as goats, horses, roosters, a devil, and grim reaper. container.appendChild(ins); The host leaves an empty chair for the deceased and sweeps it away before everyone sits at the table to excuse the soul who isnt there. The group was followed by all those involved in the harvest. On Fat Thursday, people line up outside of bakeries to get enough freshly prepared donuts for the day. The wedding feast also followed established traditions. Rogalinski downplays the official number of Rodzimowiercy (4-5,000 people); his own figure of up to 2,000 is based in part on activity, not just on self-identification. From drowning winter to getting hitched twice, Polish traditions and customs often border on the bizarre but are certainly a highlight to discover. The white eagle was chosen as a symbol as it associates an ancient yet popular Slavic legend about the founding of the Polish state. You can also see what it looked like last year! It does not store any personal data. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". They would take place . January uprisingThe last explanation is more recent. In case of a serious threat or catastrophe in the mine, the Treasurer shows up to warn the miners by flickering a lamp, appearing in front of them, or hitting the ground strong enough so they could hear him. The legend describes Janosik as a man who robs the nobility and gives their valuables to the poor, just like Robin Hood did. Due to the tradition of eating fatty or sweet foods before the start of Lent, which calls for fasting, Poles have adopted the custom of eating paczki, or Polish donuts. Feast Of the Three Kings (Trzech Kroli) The day itself had significance many centuries before Christs birth. Some Polish Easter traditions reach back to earlier, pagan beliefs; some are fusions of pagan and adopted, Christian traditions. No one has ever been able to truly eradicate it, despite centuries of tremendous effort. With the appearance of the first star, the Wigilia meal would begin. [Photo credit: Laszka]. Thank You in Polish? I didnt have the time to talk to him about it because we were both working. 7. This day became known for generations to come as the holiday which strengthened family ties. At that time, Leszek the Black is in Krakow but when the news about this unfortunate event reaches him, he quickly decides to go to Lublin and defend his people. Most of us live in safe environment with loving families and thoughtful friends, being quite anonymous while living in the big cities, organizing largely through social media. The spirit of Dyngus is described in this lively description from the Poznan region during 1800s: Barely had the day dawned on Easter Monday when I woke the boys and gathered some water to start throwing it on the girls. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-meettheslavs_com-box-3-0'; A traditional meat-free Wigilia meal has 12 courses drawn from forest and ocean, field and orchard, representing the months of the year. All told, while laws and aspects of the culture present very real obstacles for Polish Pagans, the small community does enjoy the freedom to practice and continues to eagerly expand despite the very large shadow of the countrys dominant religion. However, in the view of Nefrestim, who is a second-generation Wiccan, the current governments conservative bent does make practicing openly uncomfortable. If a young lad would catch the wreath that was made by his beloved he could ask for her hand. According to the legend, the poor boy Jacek was too clumsy to participate in these rituals so he sat sad and alone. Reportedly, in the early history of Poland, the banks of the river Vistula were lined with tiny wooden huts where farmers lived. It is said that if Poland ever needs them again, they will rise and serve their beloved country and nation. One of them carried a large homemade star on a long pole that was lit from within by a candle, so that it could be seen in the dark of night. The custom of caroling in Poland, or Chodzenie Po Koledzie, began on St. Stephans and lasted until the Feast of the Purification on February 2. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. (Dzien Wszystkich Swietych Dzien Zaduszny) Slavic mythology has different versions of this story and some of them describe the Rusalkas as spirits of dead brides who died of unfortunate events or young womens souls who suffered a violent death, so now they revenge on men that they encounter near the lake where they live. Wearing the wreath was considered an honor. On this special day, young men leaped over bonfires while ladies made wreaths of herbs and cast them to float down the river. Still, the client base has not grown large enough to support many such businesses yet; online shops fill that gap, especially for Pagans who dont live in the larger cities. Wianki (literally 'wreaths' in English) is an event that can however be traced back to the bygone days of paganism and has preserved some of its original character. Marzanna was the goddess who personified winter. :178).Particularly important is the Christmas Eve supper, probably the only . According to folklorists' research and findings, Slavic folklore contains a great number of spells, charms., incantations, practical rituals for love, relationships, work, fertility, protection, healing, divination, communicating with old spirits and ancestors, averting the evil eye and many others. The first recorded Polish writing on Dyngus dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, Leszek Czarny is one of Lublins most popular heroic legends and an ever-inspiration for poets and artists. Consequently, Catholic Polish believe one must always be ready to accept an unexpected guest, never turning away anyone in need. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Sometimes the owner removed the wreath from the girl himself and placed it aside. The minute the enforcers of orthodoxy begin to loosen their grip, or a country accepts a degree of pluralism, it all comes roaring back to life . Still, this being one of the most important celebrations of Christianity as well as one of the most anticipated of Polish spring traditions, it is loved and celebrated both by . The Legend of Janosik, the Polish Robin Hood, 8. All rights reserved. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If staying dry is your preferred state of self, dont visit Poland on Wet Monday. There is a lot of debate as to the origins of this custom, but three different explanations emerge: Pagan riteDespite their religious beliefs, several Polish traditions are rooted in Pagan rites. He further explained that the tenets of Rodzimowierstwo exclude creating religious mix or joining different faiths (in a way of joining patheons or following many paths). He first encountered the tradition in 1978, before it had acquired the standardized name. The nobleman was forcibly stranded on the moon forever. This is one of the Polish traditions linked to Christianity, whereby splashing water is considered a blessing. ins.style.display = 'block'; The farm people bring to church great bouquets of herbs, vegetables, and corn, interwoven with a few flowers from the fields and gardens, which are blessed by the priest. Sleepy husbands and wives arise and give them a gift of eggs. Despite their religious beliefs, several Polish traditions are rooted in Pagan rites. He remembered that he mustnt share his fortune. Gniezno was the first capital of Poland and the name meant home or nest while the white eagle stood as a symbol of power and pride. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sw. Mikolaj does not live at the North Pole, but up in Heaven. container.style.maxHeight = container.style.minHeight + 'px'; This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Nevertheless, Polish mythology is full of exciting stories and characters, so here is a list of 12 Polish legends and myths: In Polish mythology, Latawiec is a mythical creature that is presented as an evil serpent who lives in the deep forest and lurks over attractive young men and women. After the receiving of the blessing, everyone stood in a circle around the couple and the mother blessed them with holy water. I know the case of a girl who was diagnosed as mentally ill by a Catholic psychiatrist, because she wasnt Catholic and believed in polytheism., I dont see persecutions preserved in the peoples minds, observed Laszka. Dozynki, harvest holiday, was traditionally celebrated at the end of the summer. Manage Settings 04 of 11 The pagan Poles bickered with nature Dingen by means of pouring water and switching with willows to make themselves pure and worthy of the coming year. Tomasz Rogalinski is one such practitioner. When the graves are decorated and countless flickering frame cast their haunting shadows amid the dusk, the mood is set for an outdoor service and prayers for departed souls. On their way to the Mass, they carefully observed the heavens. Going back to the earliest, notable stages of history, we may conclude that many phenomena were hard to be comprehended and one of the ways to tackle this was to create a belief system that will put the existence of supernatural powers and creatures forward. An important part of the funeral ceremony were the feasts, called strawa in the old Polish tradition, and from the 16th century on, the Latin stypa. Polish are very proud of the traditional hospitality they may extend to a stranger who turns up at their door on Christmas eve (unlikely to happen, but not impossible). Often rooted in religion, Polish traditions and customs remain as strong today as they did centuries ago. The part of the festivities that everyone had been waiting for, the dancing and refreshments, began in earnest. Lacking reliable resources for many Pagan paths on paper or online, the alternative seeking a teacher in person can also be difficult, due to the low density of Pagans overall. My Belarussian grandfather married a Polish woman. The Legend of the Dragon of Krakow tells us the story of one of the historically most significant cities and once the capital of Poland.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'meettheslavs_com-box-4','ezslot_4',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-meettheslavs_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'meettheslavs_com-box-4','ezslot_5',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-meettheslavs_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-113{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:10px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:10px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Therefore, the crafty nobleman could try out his newly magical persona without paying the price as long as he didnt go to Rome. Verm also is familiar with cases in which being public didnt serve the individual well, highlighting a difference between the urban and rural experience. var t = d.createElement('script'); container.style.maxWidth = container.style.minWidth + 'px'; We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Because engagement was as binding as the marriage itself, it was always done in a public act in front of family and friends who acted as witnesses. The Mermaid of Warsaw tried to seduce the Prince by showing him a beautiful place that he was so marveled by that he decided to build a city upon it. He was dressed in a long white robe, wearing a tall head piece much like a bishops mitre, a long white flowing beard, and in his hand he held the shepherds staff. When he came back to the village, no one recognized him and he went back to his castle. You can celebrate the Kupala Night in a real olden-days style by attending the event at Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin. The Polish have a deep respect for their past and a pragmatic outlook on their future, which youll discover in great depth during your next visit to Poland. The circles are a challenge [to be] understood in a positive way, not a negative one, Rogalinski acknowledged. On the wedding day it was customary to have musicians playing as the wedding guest began arriving at the Dom Weselny (wedding home). The younger brother was killed by the older one, Lech, who lied that dragons devoured his brother. The severe cold weather and deep snows made family hold their festivities near the hearth within family groups. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Pisanki from different regions of Poland can be distinguished by the unique patters. After rewarding those that offered the wreath, the owner signaled to the musicians to start playing. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true });var cid = '6354310426'; Parties begin mid-morning with a buffet of traditional cuisine and last until after daybreak on Tuesday. Also on Holy Saturday typically Polish ceremonies are performed in the church yard. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); It is, in fact, unique among Pagan paths. Smigus Dyngus Leszek Czarny found the dream to be prophetic and decided to fight further his enemies. The top of the spruce or pine was hung from a beam in the ceiling, with the tip facing down over the table where the Wigilia was to be held. I wish I had gotten his info. If you are based in this city, you can join the festivities at Centrum Kultury Zamek. First, the engagement period Zareczyny or Zrekowiny. Taking the young girl in his arms, the lord of the manor started dancing. All Saints Day, November 1st, traditionally has been associated in Polish legend with ghosts and wayward souls. Did we miss any of your favourite Polish traditions? It was believed that salt had the power to heal and cleanse, uncover thieves, protect houses against fire, dispel storms and hail, and drive away evil spirits. There, Lech spotted a beautiful white eagle that seemed fierce and protective towards its cubs. I never got back to the business to get his contact information either. Behind him were a fiddler and double base player playing a merry tune. by Stanley Garczynski from PGS of Texas Polish Footprints Vol.XII No.3 Fall 1995. XI No.1 Spring 1994 by Stan Garczynski. However, they arrive late enough to find an empty battlefield with a great number of kidnapped or killed people. he has come! St. Nicholas entered, filling the room with not only his presence, but with his smile, the twinkle in his eye and his teasing booming voice. These bouquets are carried home and kept until the name day of the following year. These smaller sandwiches, called tartinki, are quite possibly responsible for transforming parties in Poland from seated affairs into standing ones. The first shoe to go over the threshold is that of the girl who will marry the earliest. Special kits for painting eggs with a funneled pen, color dyes and a wax can be purchased in Ukrainian or Polish gift shops. However, Polish heraldry was composed of local Slavic communities by mercenaries whose aim was to show who are they working for. The rules were to rise early, say your prayers earnestly and carefully, wash thoroughly, dress cleanly, and then peacefully and patiently attend to your work. The belief was that those sitting down to eat must add up to an even number. The Polish leave the chair open in the hope that these brave men would return. One day, she decided to swim into the Vistula river from the Baltic Sea and as she was swimming upstream, she reached the area where Warsaw is today. Religious freedom is a right in Poland, and a group of 100 people can form a church, carrying with it lower taxes and the ability to teach thereligion in a school setting. It was the moment when the Czepek the cap of married woman was placed upon the head at her wedding celebration. Laszka shared a narrative that is common in other parts of the worldwhereChristian traditions draw upon Pagan practices. Whether he should pursue his opponents through the dark woods and steep mountains where they had gone or to return back and admit that he was defeated in great shame in front of his people. For example, drowning an effigy of Marzanna - to drive back winter and summon spring - dates back to Slavic faith, while Zaduszki, the Polish All Saints' Day, supplanted the older Slavic Forefathers' Eve. The citys name was, of course, Warsaw. He encouraged him to carry on with his pursuit and told him that he will soon celebrate his victory. Polish Easter customs have not changed much during the centuries. Adherents tend to use a reconstructionist methodology to rebuild their native faith, which has not spread through the English-speaking world as widely as some other European-based Heathen religions. The Wigilia supper is so special there is no other like it throughout the year. This day was spent in comparative quiet surroundings within the intimate family group. X No.4 Winter 1993 by Stan Garczynski. People believed that the water female spirits actually missed the human world which they once knew so they wanted to share company with men by encountering them and asking bread, salt, or onions from them. During the church ceremony it was expected of the bride to cry. Among the many demons in Polish folklore, there is a benevolent character called Skarbnik who is a friendly mythological figure. Krakus called his sons Lech and Krakus II and tried to kill the dragon with them but they couldnt defeat it so they had to plot a different way to get rid of it. Written by Magda Marczewska on April 5, 2021 One of the craziest Polish traditions is Wet Monday - also known as migus Dyngus! The smoke from the candles on the tree, lit by the Gospodarz, (head of the family) foretold the future. Ham and Polish sausage were very popular, since pork had always been eaten at special festivities. Starting on Good Friday and through Saturday, every one visits the various churches in town to view Christs sepulchers so beautifully and artistically arranged and bathed in flowers. The other form of Christmas caroling was Herody. Like in many other European countries, the arrival of summer is celebrated on St. John's Eve in Poland. Let flowers bloom, and fields turn green. December sixth, St. Nicholas day Dzien Swietego Mikolaja brought a slight reprieve to gray monotonous days, especially to children, who felt that the Christmas Gwiazdka (star) would never come. Nowadays, Polish Easter traditions vary from household to household, just like they differ a bit when compared to different times in history. That very night, the archangel Michael appeared in front of him and told him not to doubt himself even for a minute. Matins are observed in churches on Wednesday of the Holy Week. Often, singing or the reciting of old verses accompany the procession: Marzanna, Marzanna, swim across the seas. Sounding distinctly like canap, the Polish version of the open sandwich, known as kanapki, only appeared at the end of the 19th century. 2014 - 2023Grupa MBE sp. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The legend has remained a mystery even today as it has been said that there are witnesses who have confirmed seeing an enormous snake coming out of the water and upsetting the boats on the river Obra. The myth about the Polish Eagle is one of the most recognized in Poland since this bird is the symbol of the Polish Republic and it is also a focal element in the Polish crest and the Polish coat of arms. The main obstacle is that there is no possibility to have a traditional burial. In customs that can be documented back to the sixteenth century, the young couple was most often greeted at the entrance of the house with bread and salt. After obtaining permission to enter the house, the boys sang both religious and popular Christmas carols. This monster lives in the river Obra which is an offshoot of the River Warta in Poland.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'meettheslavs_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-meettheslavs_com-leader-1-0'); According to the folklore records, a giant fish or fish- serpent lives in the northern part of this river and sometimes attacks ducks, swans, and small animals that it drags underwater like a real mighty predator. They stuffed a calfskin with smoldering sulfur and gave it to the dragon to eat it, causing a horrible death. Boze Narodzenia, Christmas Day, was considered so important a holiday that menial work of any kind was not even thought of. While part of the Polish custom bonfires, singing and dancing resembles other celebrations all over the world, the traditional wild flower crowns and fortune-telling rituals date back to Slavic paganism. This tradition is rooted in the pre-Christian sacrificial rites of Slavic Pagans. During Easter, work, both occupational and domestic, is kept to a minimum. Wesele The Wedding But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It is greeted with such mystical symbolism, that it is considered by many to be a greater holiday than Christmas itself. More about Warsaw Wianki 2018 here. The Wild Hunt Wherever the initials K M B for Kaspar, Melchior and Baltazer, with a cross between them, were seen written in chalk at the top of entrance doors, it was evident to a wayfarer that a Catholic family lived there. It is believed that the brave kings life ended in the mountain Giewont which forms a great part of the Tatra mountains and that if one looks at it from far, they will see the head of the King and his knights. They were able to suppress particular Pagan traditions, but the beliefs and practices simply lived on as folklore or embedded itself in the conquering faith or found a million other outlets through art and literature etc. The Legend of Leszek the Blacks Dream is inspired by the folklore tale about the Polish prince Sen Leszka Czarnego who belonged to the Piast dynasty and ruled in the 13th century. Szopka was a portable crib or manger scene carried by young boys from house to house. One celebrates an Obiat (a feast) in memory of the deceased. Many of the traditions and beliefs are still here today in slightly adapted forms. It is looking for similarities and helping those who are nearest to us, it is not about fighting other people.. Make sure to click the bell, too, to be notified of new articles posted to our subreddit. The entire procession stopped at the gate leading to the manor house, its members continuing to sing until the owner emerged. There must always be a roasted pigs head decked with flowers, ham, veal and the famous Polish sausage strongly flavored with garlic. Suddenly, a fairy came up to him and told him to go to the forest and find the flower of the fern which blossomed only on that night. Palm Sunday, Easter palms. Starting on Palm Sunday, the girls will begin gathering eggs, which will become pisanki. To clarify one of the statements in the article: The number of roughly 4,500 adherents was based on a census methodology that didnt ask every respondent the question, so its an extrapolation from a smaller number of people answering the question. The legend of Janosik who is considered the Polish Robin Hoon, tells the story of Juraj Janosik who was a Slovak highwayman. Slavic Rodzimowiercy groups registered with the Polish authorities in 1995 are the Native Polish Church (Rodzimy Koci Polski), which represents a pagan tradition which goes back to pre-Christian faiths and continues Wadysaw Koodziej's 1921 Holy Circle of Worshipper of wiatowid (wite Koo Czcicieli wiatowida), and the Polish . St. Andrews Night, November 30th (Noc Sw. Andrzeja albo Andrzejki) The chosen girl went to church in great pomp and ceremony, wearing the wreath on her head while sitting in a wagon pulled by four horses decorated in greenery and surrounded by other young maidens wearing flowers in their hair. Later, these pagan customs were Christianized and people were encouraged to pray and light candles instead of conjuring up spirits. Instead, he is a saintly, more dignified figure, dressed in the regal purple and gold robe, wearing a cape and bishops hat, and carrying a crosier (a crooked staff, the symbol of his bishop station). The most common decorating technique is so called wax-flowing or wax-melting. In Poland, Sw. Mikolaj is not an oversized man with red pompom topped cap, red Jacket, and riding boots. The usual practice of creating and defining heraldry in western Europe put the heads of the state and knights as decision-makers. Salt had equal footing with bread in all family customs from birth to death. Some are firmly rooted in the predominant religion of Poland, Roman Catholicism; others stem from pagan rites of the seasons. Oops! ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; Those caught rebelling were deported to Siberia. They just needed something to be at the same time of the year, because of the fact that Pagan festivals and traditions were preserved even despite the Christianisation. Her comment about Poles being intolerant about other than Roman Catholicism is so true. Easter in Poland is an important holiday marked with fairs, markets, special foods, and traditions. }(document)); This website uses cookies. Meet the Slavs is your most comprehensive online resource about Slavic people, their cuisine, culture, history, mythology, and more. The practice is symbolic for sending the winter away and preparing nature for spring and its rebirth. Reportedly, the pact contained a stipulation that said that the soul of Twardowski can be collected exclusively in Rome. Then they kindle new fires in their home, to signify the renewal of faith and greeting of the spring. After everyone had an opportunity to share the wafer, the supper could begin. Koldowanie, as it is known in Polish, is actually a pagan tradition and is not limited to Poland. The sound of snow bells and horses hoofs could be heard on the cobblestone pavement, while eager young faces with their noses pressed to the window panes shouted, he has come! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Popular sweet treats, especially loved on this day, are Pczki, Polish-style doughnuts, and Faworki, otherwise known as angel wings, which are crispy pieces of pastry dipped in sugar. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. Polish law does not provide it. The story goes that King Boleslaw and the knights sleep in a big, dark cavern, lying with their swords, bows, and lances. The water was used to sprinkle the cows in barn and also sprinkled on the family, awakening them in this manner. Read more about traditional Polish Easter recipes! It was published in Czech by Grade Publications, a.s. http://www.grada.cz. This was done with one glass which traveled from hand to hand. From the PGST News Vol. The Warsaw Mermaid was a character that served as an inspiration and a staple figure in many literary works as well as visual artworks. According to the Polish folk myth from the pre-Christian Slavic tradition, the waters were inhabited with water spirits of western Poland that were called Rusalka and it was said that they were the spirits of dead young women which continued to wander around on Earth, seeking a way to draw life energy from people and other earthly living beings. A relic of the pagan Dziady ceremony is the Rkawka holiday, which derives its name from a man-made mound which eggs were rolled up, as a symbol of resurrection.
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