Polish Easter Traditions

Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian liturgical calendar, celebrated to commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a movable feast, falling on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon. In Poland, Easter has not only deep religious significance, but also rich folk traditions that have shaped the way it is celebrated over the centuries.

The tradition of Easter palms

Palm Sunday, celebrated the week before Easter, begins Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus' ceremonial entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted with palm branches. In Poland, where palms do not grow naturally, a tradition has developed of creating one's own Easter palms. They are made of willow branches, boxwood, dried flowers and colorful ribbons. In some regions, especially Kurpie and Malopolska regions, competitions are held for the tallest and most beautifully decorated palms. Palms consecrated in church are often kept throughout the year - they are believed to protect the house from misfortunes and provide blessings. In the past, it was also believed that hitting household members with a palm tree on Palm Sunday brings health and prosperity.

The celebration of food

One of the most distinctive elements of Polish Easter is the blessing of food on Holy Saturday. The faithful bring to church baskets filled with symbolic products such as eggs (symbol of life and rebirth), bread (symbol of Christ's body), salt (sign of purification) and sausage and cold meat (symbol of abundance). The consecrated foods are eaten at a festive Easter breakfast on Easter Sunday.

Decorating eggs

The tradition of decorating eggs, known as pisanki, dates back to pagan times and was practiced long before the Christianization of Poland. Eggs are decorated using a variety of techniques, including painting, sprinkling (scratching out patterns), batik (applying wax) and taping. Easter eggs are meant to symbolize new life and rebirth, so they are an important part of the holiday table.

Regional differences in celebrating Easter

Easter celebrations may vary depending on the region of Poland. For example:

• Podhale - among highlanders, the Easter breakfast often includes traditional cheeses, such as oscypek.
• Silesia - “kroszonki” (richly decorated Easter eggs) and the custom of visiting family graves on Holy Saturday are popular.
• Kurpie - are known for their richly decorated Easter palms and festive processions.
• Lublin region - residents cultivate the tradition of “dyngus evocations,” or funny rhyming poems delivered by boys on Lany Monday.

Easter in Poland is a time of joy, spiritual rebirth and family gatherings. Poles living in Spain can cultivate Easter traditions by adapting them to local conditions. It's a good idea to find a Polish parish where food can be consecrated and traditional dishes can be prepared using available products.

Decorating eggs and having Easter breakfast together is a great opportunity to pass on Polish customs to the younger generation. In addition, thanks to the warm climate of Spain, Lany Monday can become even more joyful and watery outdoor fun.

Polish Easter is a time of joyful celebration with family, around a lavishly set table. Preparing food together, baking cakes and decorating the table are beautiful traditions that make this holiday special.