In Poland, Easter Sunday, also known as 'Wielkanoc', is one of the most important and widely celebrated religious holidays. Like many other predominantly Christian nations, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as prescribed in the New Testament of the Bible. These celebrations have a rich history, blending religious traditions with folk customs that reflect the country's deep roots and cultural heritage.
Polish Easter celebrations begin a week before Easter Sunday with Palm Sunday and continues throughout the Holy Week, leading up to a deeply spiritual observance on Good Friday and eventually peaking on Easter Sunday. The mass on Easter Sunday is undoubtedly one of the most significant parts of the celebrations, where the resurrection is commemorated, and a festive meal is shared amongst family and friends. Polish families prepare a traditional Easter basket filled with symbolic foods that are blessed at the church before being shared at home.
The rich customs include a variety of uniquely Polish traditions, such as painting hard-boiled eggs called 'pisanki', and baking Easter cakes. Moreover, the 'śmigus-dyngus' tradition, also known as Wet Monday, is observed on the day after Easter Sunday, and involves playful water fights. Despite some modern variations, the essential religious essence, unity, and traditional Polish Easter customs remains unchanged, making the celebration of Easter Sunday in Poland both culturally and spiritually enriching.