POLAND

Poland

Cześć!

Where is Poland?

The name “Poland” (Polska) Has a Meaning.

It originates from the name of the tribe Polanie, which means “people living in open fields”.

Short history of Poland

Did you know?

Poles are part of the Slavic ethnic group. Slavs are an Eastern European civilisation. The Slavic civilisation has a long and rich history.

Here is the famous legend about Rus, Czech and Lech.

Poland's first civilization dates back to about 2000 B.C., but it wasn't until A.D. 966 that the region's tribes became united under the Slavic chief Mieszko, first prince of Polska.

By the late 1700s however, Poland had been weakened by a series of wars with its neighbors. In 1795, it was conquered and divided up among Russia, Prussia (now Germany), and Austria. Poland ceased to exist as a country for 123 years.

World War 1 and World War 2

In 1918, after World War I, Poland was restored as a country. But just 21 years later, Germany and the Soviet Union attacked, intented on dividing Poland between them. The aggression marked the beginning of World War II and led to nearly 45 years of Soviet occupation.

Polish Freedom

In 1980, Polish workers began protesting communist rule under the now-famous union banner of Solidarity. In 1989, after nearly a decade of clashes between the government and Solidarity activists, democratic elections were held, and the country was renamed the Republic of Poland. In 1990, the Polish Communist Party was dissolved.

Poland borders with 7 countries

The people of Slavic countries speak Slavic languages

Modern Slavic nations include the following countries: Belarus, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia. Ukraine.

The people of Slavic countries are called Slavs. They speak Slavic languages. These can be divided into 3 groups: Russian , Ukrainian and Belarusian to the east, Polish, Czech and Slovak to the west, and Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Macedonian to the south.

How did Slavs live in the past?

Polish traditions and celebrations

Many Slavic traditions and celebrations survided to the modern days.

Poland has it's own Valentine's Day called 'Wianki' or Kupala's Night

On the longest day of the year-21st of June Poles celebrates Kupala Night. People would gather. On the fields (in clearings) and hills, light large fires, throw in herbs, sing and dance at night. One of the most important rituals, commonly practiced on that day is to throw wreaths on water. There are many contests for the most beautiful wreaths during midsummer festivals.

Kupala night in the old days

Kupala Night in present days

You can write an

In the summer we love getting together by the bonfire

Harvest festival in Poland

Dożynki harvest festival celebrations take place all over Poland from mid August to early September every year. The festival is a reward for hard labour in the fields.

Children in Poland make a straw doll to welcome spring

Easter

Easter Monday in Poland is called 'Wet Monday'

Christmas

In Poland we enjoy all four seasons

Poland has beaches, mountains, forests and lakes

Poland has beautiful mountains You can ski in the winter and hike in the summer

Mushrooming is a popular family activity in Poland

Going to the forest to pick wild mushrooms at the end of the summer is a popular activity for many people in Poland. Kids are taught how to distinguish an edible mushroom from a poisonous one early on.

Every fourth stork (bocian) is Polish

You can visit a unique salt mine, where everything is carved out of salt

Poland has the w0rld's biggest castle - Malbork

A Polish dish you must try is called 'pierogi'.

Famous Poles

Mikołaj Kopernik

Fryderyk Chopin

Maria Sklodowska- Curie

There are many different folk costumes in Poland

There are six national dances in Poland

Here are some examples:

Krakowiak Dance

Polka Dance

Polonez Dance

Góralski Dance

We love singing

'Płynie Wisła Płynie'- song

'Hej Sokoly'-song

Lyrics Lyrics

Lyrics

Hej Bystra Woda- dance music- 'Góralski'

'Sowa'- backround music

The Legend of the Dragon of Wawel Hill

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