Easter palms
Green willow branches, which symbolized joy and rebirth, were the prototype of today's Easter palms. With silver basil, they were supposed to be a source of fertility and abundance. Today's palms are often small works of art. They are created from cereals, boxwood, dried flowers and herbs. Decorated with tissue paper and colorful ribbons, they delight with their color composition and are a pleasing to the eye. A joyful symbol of spring. Sometimes they are even the subject of competition competitions for the prettiest or largest Easter palms, being the work of entire families or towns. Palms vary depending on the region and local traditions, so it is worth mentioning the Podhale or highland palms, which are usually made from a bundle of willow, wicker or hazel twigs, as well as boxwood and juniper. It is in Podhale that special processions are organized, during which the most beautiful Easter palms are presented.
Easter eggs
Multicolored, decorative eggs, which are often true works of art, are the main attribute of Easter. They are a symbol of new life, the source of energy and all beginnings. In folk tradition, it is the eggs that are given a lofty significance, as they bring fertility and all good fortune. Decorating eggs is a firmly rooted in the culture of folk art. Here, too, nature itself is a source of inspiration, as well as raw materials. Traditional 'kraszanki' are created thanks to dried or fresh plant parts, gaining red, orange or purple color. Sources of valuable dye not infrequently include onion skins, cabbage, nettle or mistletoe, as well as beet juice, moss, apple bark and even mallow seeds. Thus prepared, the sprinkles had to be decorated with an intricate pattern, which was usually created using wax or scratching. The very form of the ornament was dictated by the shape of the egg - often there were lacy floral patterns, geometric patterns or genre scenes. Today, traditional methods of decoration are supported by new ways, such as decoupage, bead wrapping or quilling, which make Easter eggs true works of art that joyfully decorate the basket and are a wonderful symbol of reborn life.
Consecration of food
Preparing an Easter basket is another symbol-saturated tradition that is still cultivated today. The blessing of food plays an important role in the culture and is central to the Easter holiday. Today's basket is different from what it looked like in previous eras. It used to be that everything that was prepared to be eaten during the holiday was holy, and all members of the household had to eat the holy food. Each food had an important symbolic meaning. Today, the number of foods has been limited. In the traditional basket are the Easter lamb (made of butter or dough), which, according to beliefs, is believed to ensure the favor of the forces of nature and protection from disasters. Eggs, which are a natural symbol of the beginning, rebirth of life and fertility. Bread, as man's staple food, is in turn a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Salt, as the only spice found in the basket, is a mineral without which there is no life. The basket should also traditionally include horseradish, which is a folk symbol of vitality and vigor. The sausage in the Easter basket is supposed to ensure health, wealth, prosperity and abundance for the whole family. Finally, it is worth mentioning the Easter baba, which is also meant to symbolize prosperity and good luck. Importantly, in Podhale, an obligatory ingredient of the Easter basket is also oscypek, which symbolizes friendship between man and the forces of nature.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a time of joy that stands under the sign of water. A well-known ritual associated with this day is the "Easter pour." Originally, the pouring of water had a symbolic meaning - it was hoped to awaken the forces of nature. Quickly, the custom also acquired a matrimonial dimension and was associated with the success and marriage of girls. Water is supposed to guarantee not only good luck, but also takes care of beauty. Midsummer's Day is a day with a distinctly social tinge, when families meet, feast joyfully, and sprinkle water on the occasion. Going around the houses, dressing up and singing are supposed to guarantee prosperity for the hosts.
Wielkanocne Jajo in Zakopane
A custom that is hard to pass by indifferently is the Zakopane Easter Egg. This is an iconic retro skiing competition that traditionally takes place on Easter Monday at Kalatówki in Zakopane. The Krystyna Behounek "For the Easter Egg" competition on old ski equipment is a unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the old times and return to the roots of skiing. Competitors, in addition to competing and showing off on old equipment, prepare special costumes, the atmosphere of which is reminiscent of previous eras. The whole event takes on the character of a unique "vintage" fashion show and is a great opportunity to revive the glory days of Zakopane in the spirit of Young Poland's "eviva l'arte!". Competitors and spectators are accompanied by highlander music, local delicacies and a unique atmosphere, which is hard to find anywhere else.
