SPRING TRADITIONS

THE BEGINNING OF SPRING.

The first day of the calendar spring is 21st of March. Astronomic spring starts when the Sun crosses the

Equator. It happens on about 20th of March.

TRADITIONS, RITUALS, PRACTICES.

The first day of spring is associated with the end of winter and revival of nature to life. It had a huge impact on people for centuries. From pogan celebration there comes a spring

celebration called ‘Jare’.

MARZANNA

The most famous practises to welcome the spring is sink ‘marzanna’. ‘Marzanna’ is Slavic goddess who

symbolize Winter and death.

GAIK

‘Gaik’ is a symbol of spring coming and the beginning of working on fields. ‘Gaik’ is a pine branch with ribbons.

April FOOL’S DAY

1st of April it is the day when we can do pranks, jokes, and cheat each other.

DYNGUS DAY

ON EASTER MONDAY we sprinkle water with each other. It is are believed that it provides enuogh

rain and increases number of crops.

ŚMIERGUST

You can meet masquerades in Wilamowice on the Main Square. The young have costumes of doctors, policemen, women, and chimney-sweeper…

SIUDA BABA

The Legend says that Siuda Baba was a priestess of Slavian goddess Lda. Only on Easter Monday she can find

a virgin who becomes Siuda Baba for the next year.

Sara Froń