Corpus Christi in Poland

Corpus Christi (Boze Cialo) is a Catholic feast celebrated as a public holiday in Poland. It is the day when the Catholic Church commemorates the practice of Holy Eucharist, or Communion.

People dressed in regional costumes in a Corpus Christi procession in Poland.

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What do people do?

Large groups of people take part in outdoor processions in many villages, towns and cities in Poland. The processions include children dressed in white who scatter flower petals on the streets. Some of the procession’s participants stop to pray at temporary shrines. Many homes are decorated with religious icons during Corpus Christi.

Public life

Corpus Christi is an official public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. Traffic is stopped during the Corpus Christi procession times in many places in Poland. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.

Background

Corpus Christi is a festival that the Catholic Church has celebrated to honor the Eucharist since 1246. The name “Corpus Christi” is a Latin phrase that refers to the body of Christ. It is a moveable feast that is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday in Poland, a country where most of the population belongs to the Catholic Church. Corpus Christi is also observed in various countries in the world.

Symbols

People scatter flowers on the streets to welcome Jesus, who is believed to walk the streets with the people during the Corpus Christi processions. The twigs that decorate the temporary prayer shrines are often torn off for good luck and happiness.

About Corpus Christi in other countries

Corpus Christi Observances

Other holidays in May 2013 in Poland

• Labor Day / May Day ―Wednesday, May 1, 2013
• Constitution Day ―Friday, May 3, 2013
• Whit Sunday ―Sunday, May 19, 2013
• Mother's Day ―Sunday, May 26, 2013