How do we welcome Spring in Poland?
First day of Spring is dated on 21stof March, but the astronomical one is the day before, when we experience equinox. As we look through the window, we can already feel the sun warming up the leaves on the trees. But regardless of the weather conditions, Poles have a lot of fun customs to celebrate the beginning of the season.
Drawning of Marzanna is a tradition which refers to a Slavic goddess who identified winter and death. According to the legend, killing her, would lead to a fast approach of Spring. People are creating such puppets by themselves, in schools or with friends, and then drown them in a nearest river.
Spring Cleaning is hated by many, but it’s and activity than comes every year around the first day of Spring. It doesn’t sound like it, but it comes from ancient beliefs – it is not only about a shining apartment, but it has a deeper meaning – with the removal of the whole mess, we can get rid of everything that remained after winter, so together with all the garbage we throw away the evil.
With no doubt, Truant Day, is the favorite custom of all the pupils. Schools celebrate this day by organizing school trips, movies or other activities instead of regular classes. Of course there are students which will choose another way to celebrate this day – away from school, but it’s all in the tradition.
As you can see, we celebrate in Poland almost EVERY occasion that there is, thanks to a lot of fun Slavic customs and legends. We recommend to Visit Poland and experience it yourself!
