How the Polish Language Evolved
Polish began emerging as a distinct West Slavonic language around the 10th century. The first recorded Polish sentence dates back to 1270, and a hymn to the Blessed Mother dates back to the 1200’s. The first book printed in Polish was in the 1500’s and the first poet to write exclusively in Polish was also in the 1500’s. Over the ages, Polish has been influenced by many other languages, but since the fall of communism, English has made the biggest impact on the Polish language. Today Polish is the native tongue of 38 million people in Poland and possibly another 10 million, who speak it with varying degrees of fluency, around the globe.
Polish Flag
According to Polish flag legislation, the official Polish flag consists of two equal horizontal bars - the top one white, and the bottom one a deep crimson. The Polish banner displaying the white crowned eagle (with a gold crown, beak and talons) is flown by Polish ships at sea, Polish diplomatic missions abroad, Polish civilian airports and the President of Poland.
A Polish Tradition
Smigus - Dyngus
There is one day in the year when the consumption of water in Poland shoots up. This is Easter Monday, and it is due to an ancient custom whish is still observed both in villages and cities. It is a delightful tradition. The custom is call Dyngus or Smigus. The gentle elegant version is a matter of a sprinkling of water or perfume; it becomes merciless when whole bucketfuls of water are thrown. Early in the morning on Easter Monday the women folk are abruptly awakened and doused with water. There is shrieking and hollering all in the spirit of good fun.
The first recorded Polish writing on Dyngus dates back to the Middle Ages. A Polish historian wrote of what he called the Oblewania (sprinklings, waterings). “It is the universal custom, among the common masses as well as among the distinguished, for men to soak the women on Easter Monday. On Tuesday and every day thereafter until the time of the Green Holidays - Pentecost - the women doused the men”.
Scholars disagree as to the origin of this unique custom. Some claim it dates back to the 10th century when Poland adopted Christianity and mass christenings in a lake or river were practiced. Other believe it is as reminder of the days when the early Christians gathered in the streets of Jerusalem to discuss the Resurrection and the Jews tried to disperse the crowds by throwing water on them.
Polish Humor
A hunter was boasting to his friends, that he got three rabbits with one shot. “How can that be?”, asked his friends. “I got one in the belly. One fainted from the fright, and the third pretended he was dead so I grabbed him too.”
A Polish Legend
In olden times the city of Krakow could be seen from the taller of two towers of the church of St. Mary. A watchman was always on duty in the tower and looked out over the city day and night. If there was an emergency or a fire, he would blow his trumpet to alert the people. The people depended on the watchman in times of danger.
In the 13th century the Tartars invaded the land, burning farms and towns, stealing and killing. The watchman saw them approaching Krakow and blew a loud, clear warning on his trumpet. The townspeople rushed to defend their homes. The Tartars shot arrows up at the tower, but the brave watchman continued to sound the alarm until an arrow pierced his throat. The watchman dies but the enemy was driven away and the city was saved.
From that time on, every hour on the hour, watchmen have played a little tune called the HEJNAL on their trumpets. It is played four times, facing west, south, east, and north. Each time the tune suddenly ends on the note at which the trumpeter of Krakow was struck by the arrow. If you go to Krakow, stand before the church, and you will hear it yourself.
Polish Language 101
Drinks
Piwo - beer
Wodka - Vodka
Wino - wine
Sok - juice
Woda - water
Ja cie kocham - I love you.
The Seasons
wiosna - Spring
lato - Summer
jesien - Fall/Autumn
zima - Winter