Exploring the Rich Traditions of Easter in Poland: A Guide for Foreigners

Exploring the Rich Traditions of Easter in Poland: A Guide for Foreigners

Easter, known as Wielkanoc in Poland, is one of the most important holidays in the country. It is a time for family gatherings, traditional meals, and religious celebrations. The customs and traditions of Easter in Poland are deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture and are still observed today with great enthusiasm.

Roots of celebrating Easter in Poland

The celebration of Easter in Poland has its roots in both Christian and pagan traditions. Christianity arrived in Poland in the 10th century, and the country became predominantly Christian. As a result, Easter is an important religious holiday in Poland. In the early days of Christianity, Easter was celebrated as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was a time of great joy and celebration, marked by church services, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. This tradition continues in Poland today, with many people attending Mass on Easter Sunday and taking part in other religious observances.

Easter in Poland is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This means that the date of Easter in Poland can vary from year to year, but it generally falls between late March and late April. In 2023, Easter Sunday in Poland will be celebrated on April 9th.

Significant days in the Easter period in Poland:

Easter period starts about a week before the main holidays. The most significant days in the Easter period are:

Palm Sunday – Niedziela Palmowa: This is the Sunday before Easter, and it marks the beginning of Holy Week. It is called Palm Sunday because it is traditional to carry palm fronds or other branches in a procession to commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

Holy Thursday – Wielki Czwartek: This is the Thursday before Easter, and it commemorates the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. It is also the day on which the Catholic Church celebrates the institution of the Eucharist.

Good Friday- Wielki Piątek: This is the Friday before Easter, and it commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is a day of mourning and reflection, and many churches hold solemn services to mark the occasion.

Holy Saturday- Wielka Sobota: This is the day of waiting and anticipation. In Poland, it is traditional to bring baskets of food (koszyczek wielkanocny) to the church to be blessed on this day. In the morning mainly children (but also adults) are painting traditional easter eggs – pisanki. 

Easter Sunday- Niedziela Wielkanocna: This is the most important day in the Easter period, and it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Many people attend church services on Easter Sunday, and it is traditional to share a meal with family and friends.

Easter Monday- Poniedziałek Wielkanocny: This is the day after Easter Sunday, and it is a public holiday in Poland. It is traditional to engage in water fights or Śmigus-Dyngus as it is called in Polish, where people drench each other with water as a way of symbolically cleansing themselves of sin.

Traditional Easter food

Traditional Easter food in Poland is a very important part of the holiday celebrations, and it is a time when families gather together to enjoy special meals that are prepared with care and love. Here are some of the most popular and traditional:

Easter ham (szynka wielkanocna): This is a ham that has been cured and smoked, and it is often glazed with honey, mustard, or other sweet and savory sauces.

Easter bread (chałka): This is a sweet bread that is similar to challah and is often braided with raisins and almonds. It is usually served for breakfast on Easter Sunday.

Easter cake (mazurek wielkanocny): This is a type of cake that is made with a shortcrust pastry base and topped with a variety of sweet toppings, such as dried fruits, nuts, and jam.

Easter eggs (jajka wielkanocne): Eggs are an important symbol of Easter in Poland, and they are often decorated with intricate patterns and bright colors. They are also used in a variety of dishes, such as egg salad, deviled eggs, and egg-based casseroles.

Horseradish (chrzan): This is a spicy condiment that is made with grated horseradish root and vinegar. It is typically served with ham or other savory dishes.

Babka – type of cake made from a yeast-based dough. The name “babka” means “grandmother” in Polish, and the cake is said to resemble the shape of an old woman’s skirt.

Vegetable salad– (sałatka jarzynowa) – a vegetable salad made with boiled vegetables, mayonnaise, and often served as a side dish for Easter.

Żurek –  traditional Easter soup, made with sour rye flour and is often served with boiled eggs and white sausage.

Overall, traditional Easter food in Poland is a rich and varied cuisine that reflects the country’s cultural and culinary heritage. It is a time when families come together to enjoy delicious meals and celebrate the holiday with joy and happiness.

Easter wishes

In Poland, the most common Easter wishes are Wesołych Świąt! which translates to “Happy Holidays!” or “Happy Easter!” Another common phrase, which refers more to the religious aspect of holidays,  is Wesołego Alleluja! which means “Happy Easter Alleluia!”

First Easter in Poland

If you are spending your first Easter in Poland, there are several things to consider to make the most of this important holiday. Here are some tips to help you navigate the traditions and customs of Easter in Poland:

• Be aware of the holiday schedule: Easter in Poland is a major holiday, and many businesses and services may be closed during this time. Make sure to plan ahead and be aware of any changes to the regular schedule. In the days leading up to Easter, shopping malls, markets, and bazaars can be extremely crowded, so keep this in mind when planning your shopping.
• Familiarise yourself with the customs and traditions: Easter in Poland is steeped in tradition, and many customs are unique to the country. Take the time to learn about practices such as the blessing of the Easter basket or the pouring of water on Easter Monday.
• Try the traditional foods: Traditional Easter dishes are an important part of the celebrations. Be sure to try some local favourites, such as white borscht (żurek) or Easter ham (szynka wielkanocna), to experience authentic Polish cuisine.
• Be open to new experiences: Spending Easter in Poland may be different from what you are used to, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to learn about a new culture and make new friends. Embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy the experience.