Easter Day in Poland

Easter Sunday (Wielkanoc) is a festive Christian holiday in Poland that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a national public holiday.

A smorgasbord of Polish dishes, including sausages, boiled eggs and horseradish, that are served during Easter.

©iStockphoto.com/TeresaKasprzycka

What do people do?

Many people paint Easter eggs (pisanki), which are then taken to be blessed at churches that hold special services on Easter Day. Homes come alive with family breakfasts to celebrate Easter Sunday in Poland. The table is usually laid out with Easter eggs, spring flowers, an “Easter lamb” made of cake or sugar, and meals such as sausages, boiled eggs, horseradish soup, and bacon. Emaus is a local tradition in Krakow, where people set up stalls with trinkets, toys and sweets. The following day, Easter Monday, is also a public holiday in Poland.

Public life

Easter Sunday 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. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.

Background

Many Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. However, a number of Easter activities can be traced back to Pagan traditions and celebrations. For example, the name Easter is believed to come from Eostara, the goddess of rebirth. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. In 325 CE the Council of Nicaea decided that the Easter date would be the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the March equinox. It is celebrated in many other countries worldwide.

Symbols

Easter eggs symbolize rebirth and life’s victory over death, while bread symbolizes Jesus Christ’s body. Smoked meat is believed to give good health, wealth, and fertility, while salt wards off evil. Cheese represents friendship, and horseradish symbolizes strength and fitness.

About Easter Day in other countries

Easter Day Observances

Related holidays

• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 1, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013

Other holidays in March 2013 in Poland

• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013