JANUARY
January, 6 - Epiphany or Twelfth Night, it's a religious celebration as well public holiday. People go to church and take small boxes containing chalk, a gold ring, incense and a piece of amber, in memory of the gifts of the Magi, to church to be blessed. You can also take part in parades.
MARCH / APRIL
In March or April people celebrate Ester. According to Catholic tradition on Holy Saturday people go to church with their Easter baskets full of food: pisanki 9colourful hard-boiled eggs), a piece of sausage or ham, salt and pepper, bread, a piece of cake and an Easter Lamb made of sugar or even plastic. They are brought to church to be blessed. On the most important day, Easter Sunday, some go to church at 6am for the Resurrection mass – a ceremonial service and procession. Then whole families eat breakfast, share wedges of the blessed Easter eggs from the basket. They exchange wishes and a Wesołego Alleluja (Joyful Hallelujah). The breakfast is dominated by cold dishes and is a feast for meat lovers: ham, sausage, roast meats, pâté, eggs, horseradish relish, bread. The last festive day is Easter Monday, known as Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday), on which tradition requires that boys throw water over girls and spank them with willow branches.
MAY
May, 3 - Constitution Day, public holiday. Constitution Day is part of a holiday season known as Majówka, which also includes the May 1/Labor Day holiday. It is celebrated with military parades, spring concerts and family picnics. Many people also gather at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Grób Nieznanego Żołnierza) at the Piłsudski Square in Warsaw. The monument is dedicated to unknown soldiers who gave their lives for Poland.
May, 26 - Many mothers are given cards, flowers, cakes or other gifts . Children in some Polish schools and daycares make laurki, which are papers decorated with flowers and written with personal notes, for their mothers. Some schools host special Mother’s Day Events.
JUNE
June, 23 - people celebrate and honor their fathers or father figures on Father’s Day. Many fathers receive wishes Happy Fathers’ Day. Some fathers are given cards and gifts.
NOVEMBER
December, 24 - Christmas Eve (Wigilia), Christmas Day (December, 25), and Boxing Day (December, 26) are important days that are celebrated in many Polish homes. Christmas preparations begin days before December 25. Houses and apartments are cleaned and decorated, including a Christmas tree. Traditionally, Christmas trees are decorated with candles or lights, ornaments made of glass or eggshells, and wrapped treats on December 24. Many families and friends enjoy getting together for a meal to celebrate the Christmas period.
