Easter in Poland

Easter is yet another spectacular celebration around here. I have witnessed it in Nigeria, in Finland but none has been like the rich cultural heritage combined with this special Christian festival in Poland. Although some similarities may be found in some other Central European countries, the Polish culture still has it's unique influence on this highly recognised Christian commemoration.

Among many unique traditions is Święconka which can  be translated to "The Blessed Basket". According to my observations, the basket consist of several festive delicacies but the essential ones are;

• bread;
• meat;
• eggs (as a symbol of new life);
• and salt (as a symbol of preservation and strength). 

Easter Eggs

The basket is filled with the above listed food items amongst other items which is being packed and beautifully decorated. This basket is then taken forward to the Church on "Holy Saturday" (the Saturday before Easter Sunday) to be prayed upon by the Priest. After the basket has been sanctified, it is therefore regarded has been blessed and ready for consumption as breakfast on Easter Sunday. :)

A cake shaped like a lamb

On Easter Sunday morning, the family gathering at the dining table is another very important characteristic of the Easter festivity in Poland. I was opportune to share this joyous morning breakfast with Ania and her family. There we shared a little of every item from the blessed basket.

Another interesting ritual of the Polish tradition during the Easter festival is the Easter Monday. This day in Poland is regarded as "Wet Monday". A day which is specially set aside for boys to have fun in pouring water/perfume on girls usually till 12pm. This act of pouring water on girls is to wish them best of luck through the year.

I'm glad to be a part of this fascinating Polish traditions which makes my love for Poland grow stronger and stronger. Finally, I would like to kindly ask everyone that has read this article to please have a minute of silence for the victims of this celebration. :(....

...the poultry.       

Live...Love...Share (Nationwide pool party)

It's about half way gone into one of the most beautiful seasons, spring. And just before we know it, another year will pass by so quickly. It's amazing to see how growth rapidly takes place, how a child has turn into an adult and the next thing you know is how an adult has turn into a child. But still growth is beautiful, I see it in nature with the environment surrounded by the beauty of blooming flowers after a long cold winter.

Flowers bloom. Photo by me

Despite all that, this change has unfortunately affected many people out there causing bad state of health. One thing I know for sure is that, it's temporary! So please, if you are one of those who are terribly down physically or mentally...CHANGE is CERTAIN! 

Team Erasmus

There are many great opportunities out there that are in its simplest form if only you can open up your inner mind to accept it when it comes. An example is a recent event I took part in which made me do things I had never done before but made me see life from another perspective.

Well, I guess the picture says it all. I took part in a nationwide swimming competition. But I prefer to call it a nationwide pool party. This is because of the warm and fun-filled atmosphere at the swimming hall. Many Polish students in creatively designed costumes, you can see for yourselves:

 

 

 

Seeing the way polish students could humbly integrate with we foreign students is highly commendable. It was a great experience for the team of ERASMUS students from the University of Economics in Katowice. And finally, I would say these few words; Life is short! Live, Love, Share and take a leap of faith to participate in the little things that make life worth living!