Origin and History of Easter in Poland
The Republic of Poland is graciously sited in central Europe and is one of the most fervently religious countries in Europe. Poland can widely be described as a Catholic country. As such, Easter is a very important festival for the Polish people. It is celebrated to mark the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after His crucifixion. Hence, it is a day of joy and gaiety for every follower of Christianity. Some traditions, like holy processions and church services, are common to all nations, but some variations can definitely be seen in the customs of all countries. In Poland, Easter is preceded by the Holy Week that begins with Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday, as the name suggests, palm branches and twigs are assigned at the church premises. This symbolizes Christ’s exultant entry into Jerusalem. These holy palms are later used in curing sick domestic animals and blessing pregnant women. There are other popular and unique customs practiced in Poland, listed in the following lines.
Local name: Dyngus Day
Ways to celeberate Dyngus Day in Poland
In Polish culture, The Rezurekcja (Resurrection Procession) starts the beginning of Easter Sunday. The main attraction of this festival is the Święconka (blessing basket). The Polish prepare this basket on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. This basket contains beautifully colored eggs, bread, cake, salt, paper, and white colored sausages. With this basket, they go to the church to get the food in the basket blessed. Easter eggs are decorated in a distinct way with the help of rug yarn. Another renowned custom that is executed on Easter Monday is Dyngus Day. On this day, boys sprinkle water or perfumed water on girls and smack their legs with long thin twigs or switches made from willow or birch. Some Easter special delicacies served in the Easter feast include Butter Lamb (Baranek wielkanocny), Beet and Horseradish Relish Cwikla, Gypsy Mazure Mazurek Cyganski, Raisin Mazurek Mazurek Rodzynkami, and Mazurek Royale Mazurek Krolewski. On the whole, Easter is a time of joy and cheerfulness in Poland.
